Hearing loss decisions — 2015

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has been evaluated as noncompensable since the grant of service connection. The VA audiometric evaluations have consistently shown mild to moderately-severe sensorineural hearing loss in both ears, which corresponds to a noncompensable rating.

The Board has found the Veteran's statements concerning the onset of hearing loss and tinnitus in service and the continuation of both disorders following his discharge from service to be credible. Service connection is granted for the Veteran's tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss disability.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be causally related to his military service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition. The issue of bilateral hearing loss remains pending as it was addressed in a separate decision.

The Board has scheduled the Veteran for a videoconference hearing but the RO used an incorrect mailing address and the Veteran did not receive notice of the hearing. The case is being remanded to schedule the Veteran for the correct hearing.

The Veteran's tinnitus had its onset during active military service and the Board finds that it is at least as likely as not related to his military service. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss may also be related to his military service, but further clarification from a VA examiner is needed.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection due to lack of new and material evidence, resulting in finality.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss, acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD), sleep apnea, and bilateral eye disability are not related to his military service. The claims for these conditions have been denied.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for coronary artery disease and GERD, as well as service connection for diabetes mellitus type II. The effective date of these decisions is October 12, 2012.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were granted. The TDIU claim was also granted prior to February 6, 2008.

The Veteran's appeal involves the issues of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss, right foot hallux valgus, and left foot hallux valgus. The Board has remanded these claims due to the need for additional examinations and consideration of new evidence.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has been manifested by no more than Level I hearing impairment in each ear throughout the appeal period, which corresponds to a noncompensable disability rating under Diagnostic Code 6100.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss are related to service, granting service connection for both conditions.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection of chest condition and hearing loss have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeals in January 2015.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals as to the issues of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, TMJ, and a dental disability for treatment purposes prior to the Board's decision.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus did not meet the criteria for service connection as they were not shown to be causally or etiologically related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and knee disability were denied. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disability secondary to service-connected bilateral pes planus was also denied.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for various disabilities have been denied multiple times, and new and material evidence has not been submitted in all cases. The Board finds that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of his current disabilities.,The Veteran's claims of service connection for various disabilities have been denied multiple times, and new and material evidence has not been submitted in all cases. The Board finds that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of his current disabilities.

The Veteran's tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss have been assigned the maximum schedular ratings under VA regulations. The Board finds that referral for extraschedular consideration is not warranted.

The Board finds that the Veteran's bilateral Achilles tendonitis, left shoulder disorder, bilateral hearing loss disability (left ear), tinnitus, left wrist arthritis, and left rib disorder are all related to service. The decision is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service, granting service connection for these conditions.