Hearing loss decisions — 2015

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss have been granted.

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

The Board denied service connection and a compensable evaluation for hearing loss in both ears, finding no evidence of current disability related to service.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to address the Veteran's claims, including verifying his National Guard service and assessing the nature and likely etiology of his left ankle disability. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss claim will also be reviewed for a determination on its merits.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to service, including noise exposure. The claims for service connection were denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's currently diagnosed bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his active duty service, thus granting service connection for both conditions.

The Board has reopened several service connection claims and granted them, with some issues receiving staged ratings. The effective date for the award of PTSD is set at April 9, 2007.

The Board has determined that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's left ear hearing loss began during service and is related to noise exposure. As such, the claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss is granted.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is found to be related to service, but the VA examiner could not provide a definitive opinion without resorting to speculation. The case is being remanded for further examination and consideration.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and Crohn's disease. The decision is based on direct service connection due to in-service noise exposure for tinnitus and a plausible explanation provided by the Veteran regarding his onset of symptoms.

The Board has granted special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance of another person, as the evidence shows that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities caused him to be in need of regular aid and assistance.

The Board found that the Veteran's hearing loss did not manifest during service or within one year of discharge, and there was no evidence linking his current bilateral hearing loss to in-service noise exposure. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found no evidence to support the requested higher ratings or service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a balance disorder is denied as the evidence does not support a link between his current condition and military service.,From April 5, 2007 to September 8, 2014, the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was rated at level II in the right ear and level XI in the left ear. Since September 8, 2014, the rating has been increased to level IV in the right ear and level VIII in the left ear.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including a 100% rating for hearing loss and a 30% rating for PTSD, prevent him from securing or maintaining gainful employment.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, low back disability, and Meniere's disease due to the Veteran's credible assertions of in-service injury and positive medical opinions supporting a link between his current conditions and service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and occupational background.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining an addendum opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The claims will be readjudicated after this development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder disability, sinusitis, and bilateral hearing loss are service-connected. However, his claim for bilateral hearing loss is denied as there is no evidence of a current hearing loss disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus, right ear hearing loss, and tension headache disorder are service-connected. The heart disability, throat disability, and back disability claims have been denied due to lack of evidence of a current disability.