Hearing loss decisions — 2015

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for hemorrhoids is denied. The Board finds that the Veteran's hemorrhoid disability has not been manifested by large or thrombotic, irreducible hemorrhoids with excessive redundant tissue, evidencing frequent recurrences since November 25, 2005.

The Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for left ear hearing loss and bilateral tinnitus have been reopened, and the Board finds that new and material evidence has been submitted. The Veteran currently suffers from bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus that are related to active duty service. An effective date prior to January 12, 2006, is granted for the grant of service connection for lumbar spine spondylolysis with degenerative disc disease and radiating pain to the right buttock/hip.

The Veteran's appeal for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss has been withdrawn by the appellant.

The Board has determined that additional evidentiary development is necessary prior to the adjudication of the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left elbow disability, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The case is REMANDED to comply with the December 2014 Board Remand directives.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a right ear hearing loss disability, finding that his pre-existing right ear hearing loss did not worsen during service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to inadequate VA medical opinions. The case will be returned for additional development and adjudication.

The Veteran's patellofemoral syndrome, residual of left tibia fracture, was granted a disability rating of 20 percent. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were denied.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are found to be related to service exposure to noise, and the claims for these conditions are granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his in-service noise exposure, and thus service connection is granted for both conditions.

The Board granted service connection for sarcoidosis and assigned a noncompensable rating effective August 5, 2008. The Veteran's multiple joint and muscle arthralgias are rated as part of the sarcoidosis with an initial compensable rating.

The Veteran's hearing loss and right ear injury are not service connected due to lack of current disability as defined by VA standards.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are found to be related to service, while obesity is not a disability for which service connection may be granted.,Service connection is granted for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The TDIU claim will be remanded as it requires assignment of disability ratings first.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is not related to his period of service, including any in-service noise exposure. The claim for non-service connected pension was also denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his active service, including in-service noise exposure. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by service.

The Board denied service connection for a back disability, hearing loss, and tinnitus as the evidence did not establish a nexus to service. The Veteran's current conditions are attributed to post-service noise exposure and age-related presbycusis.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for an addendum opinion to address whether his pre-existing hearing impairment was aggravated beyond that of normal progression during service.

The Veteran is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities, which are cumulatively rated at 90 percent.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been reopened and granted. His prostate cancer residuals are rated at 20 percent, with urinary frequency being the predominant issue.

The Board has determined that the appellant's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus do not have an onset or are otherwise related to his period of active duty for training (ACDUTRA).

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA audiologic examination and readjudication of the issues.