Hearing loss decisions — 2015

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied. The Board found that the Veteran's hearing loss did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under VA's schedular guidelines. Service connection claims for back, respiratory, and hypertension disorders are also pending.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal, indicating that a recent rating decision granting an increased rating for his bilateral hearing loss satisfied his appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss has been granted an initial 0 percent rating effective May 24, 2007. The appeal is resolved in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied as the evidence did not support an evaluation in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be related to his service-connected bilateral hearing loss, and the claim for secondary service connection is granted.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to adjudicate the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, including obtaining STRs and post-service medical records. The case will be remanded for further action.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss has not been manifested by hearing acuity worse than Level III in either ear, and therefore does not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and dismissed the claim of entitlement to an initial rating greater than 10 percent for tinnitus.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death. The claims for increased evaluations for coronary artery disease and bilateral hearing loss, as well as the claim for a total disability rating due to individual unemployability, are no longer before the Board.

The Veteran's initial rating for left ear hearing loss was denied as his condition did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating. Service connection for right ear hearing loss was also denied due to lack of evidence meeting VA's definition of hearing loss.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for initial ratings and service connection for various conditions, including hearing loss, low back disorder, depression/anxiety/nerve problems, chest disorder, neck disorder, and mouth disorder. The RO denied some of these claims but granted others. The case is being remanded to the RO for further action.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are at least as likely as not related to his in-service noise exposure. The remaining claims of service connection for Meniere's disease, basal cell carcinoma, and residuals of a tumor of the right thigh have been remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding their etiology.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death. The Board cannot proceed with the merits of this case as he passed away during its pendency.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination and consideration of extraschedular considerations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss had its onset during military service and granted his claim for service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred during active military service, as there was no evidence of a current disability or in-service incurrence. The preponderance of the evidence showed that his hearing loss and tinnitus began after he left service.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current hearing loss disability as defined by VA regulations, and thus service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied as there is no current disability for VA purposes.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling a VA examination to determine if the Veteran has current hearing loss disability and/or tinnitus causally related to his military service.