Hearing loss decisions — 2015

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus did not have onset during active service, were not shown to be related to service noise exposure, and are not otherwise etiologically related. As a result, the claims for service connection were denied.

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

The Board finds that the evidence is in at least relative equipoise and, as such, service connection for hearing loss is warranted.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss is related to service, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition. The issue of entitlement to service connection for headaches remains pending.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for right ear hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of extraschedular criteria.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral lower extremity amputations and prostate cancer, cause him to require regular aid and attendance due to his inability to perform daily activities.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and no effective dates or ratings were granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluation are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing VA examinations.

The Veteran was found unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation as a result of his service-connected disabilities, effective February 1, 2013.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was caused by in-service acoustic trauma and service connection is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate etiological opinions and the need for additional records, particularly from the Veteran's former employer.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss disability is service-connected, and he meets the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected disabilities. His erectile dysfunction does not meet the criteria for an increased rating.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Board has determined that a new VA examination is needed for the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus claims, as well as his right elbow disability claim. The Veteran's ischemic heart disease claim will be remanded to issue a statement of the case.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and additional treatment records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is at least as likely as not related to noise exposure during service. The claim for an eye condition must be remanded to obtain missing VA treatment records and a new VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and readjudicating the claims.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear hearing loss, but denied the remaining issues of upper back disorder and disorders of the bilateral upper extremities.

The Veteran's depression is found to be secondary to his service-connected right orchiectomy. His hearing loss, COPD, left wrist fracture residuals, scar from cyst removal, allergic rhinitis, and rhinoplasty/septoplasty are all rated at the lowest possible level (0%) due to their current severity.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus disabilities are not related to his military service, as there is no credible evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his active duty. The earliest clinical records indicating symptoms were over 30 years after separation from service.