Hearing loss decisions — 2015

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied as his current level of hearing impairment did not meet the criteria for any higher evaluation.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are found to be related to his active service, specifically the noise exposure during basic training. As a result, service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a VA audiological examination and an addendum opinion. The Veteran asserts that his bilateral hearing loss disability warrants a compensable rating, citing difficulties in hearing in groups and related equilibrium problems.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee, right knee, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus disabilities are all service-connected.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining medical records and providing addendum opinions regarding his claimed conditions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for chronic otitis media, adult fibrosarcoma, dermatofibrosarcoma, residuals of a left wrist injury, and asthma. The Veteran's hearing loss is granted as service connected.

The Veteran's request for a hearing on his appeal has been noted, and the case is being returned to the RO to schedule a Travel Board hearing. The Veteran will be notified of the date and time of the hearing.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus are at least as likely as not aggravated by his active service, and is therefore granted service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's service connection claim for bilateral hearing loss is granted as it is at least as likely as not that the condition was caused by noise exposure during his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and respiratory disabilities, finding that there was no current disability meeting VA criteria for a hearing loss disability or COPD. The examiner opined that the Veteran's COPD is less likely caused by his military service.

The Veteran's claim for nonservice-connected VA pension benefits was denied as the preponderance of evidence did not support his contention that he is permanently and totally disabled due to nonservice-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the evidence is at least in relative equipoise as to whether the Veteran's tinnitus had its onset during active service. The issue of bilateral hearing loss remains pending and will be remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, effective August 2010. His bilateral hearing loss is rated as noncompensable. The Veteran's TDIU claim was not addressed due to lack of appeal.

The Board has remanded the claims due to the Veteran's failure to appear for a scheduled hearing. The claims will be returned to the AOJ for further action.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left ear hearing loss and tinnitus are related to service, while his right ear hearing loss is not. The decision grants service connection for left ear hearing loss and tinnitus, but denies service connection for right ear hearing loss.

The Board has determined that it is as likely as not that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to service, including exposure to noise during active duty in Vietnam. As such, the claim for service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Board hearing. The issues of entitlement to higher ratings for posttraumatic stress disorder and service connection for bilateral hearing loss are still pending.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is not shown to have been present in service or for many years thereafter, nor is it shown to be related to his military service. Therefore, the claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability was denied.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional medical evidence and for further examination, as the current VA audiology examinations did not fully consider the Veteran's contentions regarding his hearing loss.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The Veteran's assertions, along with positive opinions from VA examiners, support a finding that his hearing loss and tinnitus are related to active service.