Hearing loss decisions — 2015

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the assignment of a 30% rating for service-connected painful scars on his right wrist, left 4th toe, and medial forearm is denied as there was no pending claim or documented evidence of multiple painful scars prior to May 27, 2010.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied as his audiometric results do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities. His claim for a rating higher than 10 percent for coronary artery disease (CAD) is also denied.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and right-sided cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs) with left hand weakness, left facial palsy, left temporal hemianopsia, receptive, expressive aphasia, dizzy spells, and memory impairment have been reopened. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for atherosclerotic heart disease due to Agent Orange exposure, and the Veteran's claim of entitlement to an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to evaluate his service-connected bilateral hearing loss disability.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for hearing loss of the left ear. However, after reviewing all available evidence, including VA audiological examinations and medical opinions, the Board finds no nexus between the current hearing loss disability and military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient rationale in the March 2013 VA audiology evaluation for determining whether the Veteran's current hearing loss is related to service noise exposure. The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss will be reconsidered.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the inadequacy of a VA examination report and the need for another audiological evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss are related to his military service, with cumulative noise exposure being a significant factor.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are found to be related to his active service. The heart disability, warts on the legs, skin condition of the arms and legs, hypothyroidism, and cataracts are not currently addressed due to the need for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is not related to his active duty service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran is granted service connection for left ear hearing loss, but his right ear hearing loss claim is denied. The Veteran's allergic rhinitis and a benign intradermal nevus (left eyelid) are also found to be related to service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for the issues of entitlement to a higher initial rating for coronary artery disease and an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss prior to the Board's decision.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and an initial rating higher than 30 percent for anxiety disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is not related to his active duty service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities due to presumed exposure to herbicides in Vietnam.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that these conditions are attributable to the Veteran's military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is etiologically related to acoustic trauma sustained in active service, and therefore grants entitlement to service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to a new claim of service connection for left ear hearing loss and an indication of increase in right ear hearing loss severity. The Veteran will be provided with a new VA examination to evaluate his current hearing loss disability.