Hearing loss decisions — 2015

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and postoperative fusion of the left ankle with shortening, as well as his claim for TDIU, are denied. The current disability ratings adequately reflect the severity of these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and updated VA treatment records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss and a higher initial evaluation for numbness of the left lower jaw, post-operative residuals of surgery to the mouth and jaw were denied. The Veteran does not have a current disability related to his right ear hearing loss as he does not meet the criteria for a hearing loss disability under VA regulations. For the numbness condition, the evidence did not support service connection on a secondary basis due to his service-connected jaw condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his PTSD and its impact on his ability to work.

The Veteran's tinnitus was found to have likely had its onset during active service, and the Board granted his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's tinnitus was caused by in-service exposure to excessive and harmful noise during his service. The Board has granted the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is found to be related to noise exposure during his military service, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his service, including combat exposure in Vietnam. As such, these conditions have been granted as service-connected.

The Veteran's tinnitus was found to have manifested during active duty service and is granted. The hearing loss claim must be remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is currently rated at 10 percent from September 22, 2008. The Board finds that a compensable rating prior to this date and any rating in excess of 10 percent thereafter are not warranted based on the evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss disability is currently rated as noncompensable, and the Board finds that his hearing acuity does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under VA's rating schedule.

The Veteran's tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, and onychomycosis were evaluated. The Veteran was denied increased ratings for these conditions as the current evaluations are deemed appropriate based on the evidence of record.

The Board has granted the Veteran's service connection claim for tinnitus, finding that it is likely due to in-service noise exposure. The decision on the bilateral hearing loss disability issue will be remanded as the RO failed to send a Supplemental Statement of the Case (SSOC) with the March 2015 VA examination report and April 2015 Addendum opinion.

The Board found no evidence of a relationship between the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and his active service, and denied service connection for vertigo as it was less likely than not related to his hearing loss.

The evidence shows that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities alone do not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for right ear hearing loss has been withdrawn by the Veteran prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his request for a hearing, and the claim will be returned to the AOJ for further action.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a VA examination to assess the severity of his bilateral hearing loss disability and for additional medical records. The case will be readjudicated after these actions.

The Board found no evidence of hearing loss or any other service-connected condition that would support a grant of service connection for the Veteran's claimed disabilities. The Veteran was denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, chronic headaches, recurrent lumbar strain, sciatica of both lower extremities, and sleep apnea.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining pertinent medical records and providing an appropriate VA examination.