Hearing loss decisions — 2015

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus as secondary to service-connected bilateral hearing loss. The initial non-compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss remains in effect.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for an updated audiological examination due to a possible worsening of his hearing loss and the old VA audio examination is now almost four years old.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU was denied by the RO prior to January 7, 2011. The Board has now remanded the case due to a lack of evidence assessing his employability prior to that date.

The Board has withdrawn the issue of entitlement to service connection for a bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's low back disability is found to be related to service, and thus service connection is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus was denied as there is no evidence of current tinnitus. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a higher rating for PTSD, with symptoms consistent with moderate impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The Board found that the Veteran's current right ear hearing loss and tinnitus did not have onset during active service or within one year of discharge, and were more likely due to occupational noise exposure after military service.

For the increased rating period from November 10, 2009, the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss more nearly approximated a 10 percent disability rating under Diagnostic Code 6100.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess the severity of his bilateral hearing loss and its impact on employment. The case will also be reviewed to determine if entitlement to TDIU should be granted.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss disability is currently rated as noncompensable, and the Board finds that his claim for a compensable rating has not been met.

The Board has granted a 40 percent rating for bilateral hearing loss effective December 30, 2009. The Veteran's claim for TDIU remains pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of in-service injury or disease, and thus could not establish service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and scheduling a VA audiological examination.

The Veteran's left shoulder fracture resulted in residual irregularity of the clavicle, which is service connected. Bilateral hearing loss and a right ear disability (presumably tinnitus) are not service-connected.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete evidence and need for VA examinations.

The Veteran's hearing loss is as likely as not related to his active military service, and the Board finds that service connection for hearing loss is warranted.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen his previously denied claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability, chronic eye infections, and diabetes mellitus. The case is remanded for further development related to these issues.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to incomplete service personnel records and the need for a VA audiological examination to determine if his current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depression) are all service-connected. The decision is based on credible evidence of current disabilities and a link to service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, resulting in a denial.

The Veteran's left knee disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus are all determined to be related to his military service.