Hearing loss decisions — 2015

The Board found that the Veteran's hearing loss disability did not warrant a rating higher than 10 percent based on objective testing results during the appeal period.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded to develop the radiation exposure claim and determine if his conditions are related to non-ionizing (microwave) radiation exposure during service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable, and his migraine headaches with aura are also rated as noncompensable. The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent prior to November 21, 2011, and at 50 percent beginning on that date.,The Veteran does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation for his bilateral hearing loss or migraine headaches with aura. His PTSD is currently evaluated as 50 percent disabling.

The Veteran's audiometric data throughout the appeal period does not show impaired hearing in either ear. The Board finds that service connection for bilateral hearing loss must be denied at this time.

The Board has dismissed the appeals due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hearing loss is being remanded due to the need to obtain recent VA treatment records.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed disabilities, including his back disability, bilateral hearing loss, peripheral neuropathy, and tinnitus.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current left ear hearing loss is due to his military service and grants his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated at zero percent, but the Board finds no evidence of a compensable level of disability during the appeal period.,The Veteran's tinea pedis, mycotic nails with paronychia, and eczema are each rated at zero percent as they do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Codes 7806, 7899-7806, and 7806 respectively.

The Veteran's appeal for a compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss and an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus has been dismissed. The Board granted the Veteran's TDIU claim as of August 1, 2008.

The Board found no evidence of a current right ear hearing loss disability for VA purposes, and thus denied the Veteran's claim for service connection.

The Board found no evidence of a causal relationship between the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus and his military service, including exposure to noise. Therefore, service connection for these conditions was denied.

The Veteran's appeal is REMANDED due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is not related to his in-service noise exposure and denied service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred in service, as there was no evidence of a chronic condition during or within one year after service. The VA examiner concluded that the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his military noise exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected right knee disabilities have been rated as noncompensable, but his left knee disability has been rated at the maximum allowable under VA regulations.,His service-connected right hand disability and resulting scar are currently rated as noncompensable.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination and obtaining relevant treatment records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is as likely as not related to his active service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability. The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the etiology of his current hearing loss and whether it is related to service.