Hearing loss decisions — 2015

The Board denied entitlement to an initial compensable evaluation for service-connected bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's hearing loss disability does not present an exceptional or unusual picture and does not cause marked interference with employment or frequent periods of hospitalization. The appeal is denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's current neck, shoulder, and elbow pain is not related to service. The preponderance of evidence is against his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD and bilateral hearing loss were denied due to his failure to report for a scheduled VA examination.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not related to his active duty service, and thus denied both claims.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, asthma, left shoulder disorder, and other conditions, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board finds that the criteria for TDIU are met.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss has been manifested by no more than Level II hearing impairment in the right ear and no worse than Level IV in the left ear, resulting in a noncompensable disability rating. The criteria for an initial compensable rating have not been met.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss disability and bilateral eye disability were not found to be service-connected due to lack of evidence showing the presence of these conditions during or within one year after service.

The Board has determined that there was no clear and unmistakable error in the original grant of service connection for left ear hearing loss disability, thus restoring the benefit.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development and a need for new examinations. The Veteran's claims of arthritis service connection and initial evaluation for bilateral hearing loss disability are pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is causally related to his military service and grants the claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disorder and tinnitus are related to his in-service exposure to loud noise, including from helicopters and rifle and machine gun fire. As a result, service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease, PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board finds that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is at least as likely as not caused by acoustic trauma sustained during active service, and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board finds that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are at least as likely as not related to his in-service noise exposure, while other conditions like right elbow and foot disabilities lack sufficient evidence of a service connection.,While there is conflicting medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus, the Board leans towards finding that these conditions are more likely due to post-service occupational and recreational factors.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA audiological examination and spine examination. The issues of rating for hearing loss and service connection for back disorder are the focus of this remand.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, a left leg disability (claimed as tingling), and irritable bowel syndrome. The Board also found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for higher ratings for his right shoulder strain or lumbar degenerative disc disease.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for hearing loss or tinnitus due to lack of evidence showing a current disability, and there is no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to her active military service.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss. The issue of a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are service-connected, with the latter being secondary to his hearing loss.