Hearing loss decisions — 2015

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss has been evaluated as noncompensable throughout the appeal period, with puretone thresholds at each of the specified frequencies ranging from 20 to 95 decibels in both ears. The VA examinations and audiometric testing have consistently shown that the Veteran's hearing acuity does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current hearing loss disability is related to his in-service noise exposure, and therefore service connection for bilateral hearing loss is granted. The issue of entitlement to service connection for a skin disorder remains pending.

The Board has determined that there are no pending appeals related to the issues of service connection for plantar fasciitis, a heart disability, an increased rating for thoracic spine lordosis, and an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss. As such, these claims have been dismissed.

The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is etiologically related to his service-connected acquired psychiatric disability, and the Board grants service connection for this condition on a secondary basis.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to a request for clarification on the type of hearing he wishes to have.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus and right inguinal hernia residuals are related to service, while his bilateral hearing loss is not considered a current disability for VA compensation purposes.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability was rated as 0 percent prior to April 18, 2013 and 10 percent from that date. The Board found no evidence of an exceptional pattern of hearing loss or other factors warranting a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinions regarding the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus claims, specifically addressing noise exposure in service. Further examination is required.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus began during service and continues to this day, granting service connection for this condition. Bilateral hearing loss was not shown in service or within one year of discharge, and is not related to service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining audiometric testing results and scheduling a VA audiological examination. The TDIU claim will also be addressed with a medical opinion on the Veteran's employability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining relevant VA and private treatment records, scheduling a new VA audiological examination, and issuing a supplemental statement of the case.

The Veteran's tinnitus was found to have originated during service and is granted as incurred. The claim for bilateral hearing loss disability will be remanded due to inadequate medical opinions.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for multiple myeloma, acquired psychiatric condition (including PTSD), residuals of cyst removal, degenerative joint disease (DJD) in both knees, and hearing loss is pending. Service connection has been granted for tinnitus.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The effective date of the TDIU was set at December 1, 2010.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of anemia and denied his claim for service connection. The hearing loss issue is remanded as it requires additional examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development to clarify the nature and etiology of his claimed disabilities, including left ankle disability, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and jaw disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain a medical opinion regarding the etiology of his hearing loss, tinnitus, and vertigo. The case will be returned for further review.

The Board has granted service connection for a neck condition and left ear hearing loss, but denied right ear hearing loss. The Veteran's current right ear hearing loss disability does not meet VA criteria.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for regurgitation of the heart valves and cardiac valve disease have been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal.,Service connection has not been granted for pulmonary hypertension. The Board finds that there is no evidence to support this claim.

The Board finds that the Veteran currently has bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus, but the preponderance of evidence is against service connection for these conditions due to lack of in-service onset or continuity.