Hearing loss decisions — 2015

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is related to his period of active service and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that additional VA examinations are needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's hepatitis C and left ear hearing loss, as well as whether there is a current disability. The appeal will be remanded for these purposes.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before the Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for bilateral hearing loss can be decided. The case is therefore REMANDED to the Agency of Original Jurisdiction (AOJ) for further action.

The Board has granted service connection for Bell's Palsy and remanded the remaining issues of service connection for other conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's migraine headaches were incurred in service.,However, the Veteran does not have a current hearing loss disability for VA purposes.

The Veteran's hearing loss disability has remained at a noncompensable level throughout the appeal period, as his hearing impairment levels correspond to Level IV in the right ear and Level II in the left ear under Table VI. As such, an evaluation in excess of the current disability rating is not warranted.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is now rated at 50 percent effective October 25, 2010. His tinnitus remains rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, a sinus disability, and an initial compensable rating for a deviated nasal septum are being remanded due to outstanding VA treatment records and potential SSA records. Additionally, the Veteran needs new VA examinations to assess his bilateral hearing loss and sinus disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and residuals of a nose fracture has been denied. The Board found that the Veteran does not have current hearing loss disability for VA compensation purposes, as his audiometric results did not meet the VA standards for a diagnosis of hearing loss.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is currently evaluated as noncompensable, and the Board finds that there are no additional factors warranting an extraschedular rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are being remanded as the VA examination provided by the examiner did not adequately address the continuity of symptoms since service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right ear hearing loss disability is related to his in-service noise exposure as a jet aircraft mechanic, and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted an effective date of January 30, 2010 for the award of TDIU and a rating of 70% for lumbosacral strain. The earlier effective dates for right lower extremity radiculopathy are also granted.

The Veteran's bilateral mixed hearing loss with postoperative residuals of otosclerosis in the right ear is currently rated at 50 percent effective from December 12, 2014.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining clarification from the provider of audiograms and arranging a VA examination. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered after these actions.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The February 1978 rating decision denying these claims is final.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is rated as noncompensable, and the evidence does not support a higher rating.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was evaluated and found to be noncompensable throughout the appeal period based on current audiometric test results.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and denied the remaining issues on appeal. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss claim is remanded due to inadequate etiology opinion, while his obstructive sleep apnea, knee disabilities, and status post septoplasty and turbinectomy claims are also remanded.

The Board has determined that additional medical opinions are needed to address the Veteran's claims for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss, as the current VA examiner's opinion is inadequate. The case will be returned to the AOJ for further action.