Hearing loss decisions — 2015

The Veteran requested withdrawal of his appeal regarding an increased rating for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, and the Board has dismissed the appeal as a result.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is associated with his service-connected left ear hearing loss and grants service connection for this condition on a secondary basis. The issue of entitlement to service connection for right ear hearing loss is remanded due to inadequate medical opinion.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, as well as a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his hearing loss and diabetic retinopathy.

The Veteran seeks service connection for various conditions, including hypertension, hearing loss, head trauma residuals, facial scars, neck disability, and low back disability. The appeal is remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and treatment records.

The Veteran has tinnitus that is the result of disease or injury incurred during active military service. The Board finds the Veteran's statements regarding an in-service onset of tinnitus to be credible and grants service connection for tinnitus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran meets the criteria for service connection for left ear hearing loss throughout the pendency of his claim, and thus grants this claim.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for bilateral pes planus was denied. The Board found that the disability more closely approximated severe pes planus, warranting a 30 percent rating. However, as the disability had been service-connected on an aggravation basis, the pre-existing degree of disability (10%) was deducted from any compensation level assigned, leaving the Veteran with a net 20% compensation level for his bilateral pes planus. The claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not addressed due to inadequate examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, particularly his hearing loss, render him in need of regular aid and attendance. As a result, special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance is granted.

The Board has reopened the claims to service connection and granted them for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and lung disorder. The claim for prostate disorder is denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back disability, neck disability, bilateral hearing loss, headaches, and acquired psychiatric disability. The evidence did not establish a nexus between these conditions and service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. Service connection is granted for tinnitus, but the claim for hearing loss remains pending as it did not meet VA standards at the time of the examination.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed, including obtaining service treatment records from the Veteran's first period of active duty for training and his service in the Army Reserves. The Veteran must also provide a new CD/DVD containing information on the 106 recoilless rifle he fired during this time.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's ischemic heart disease (CAD) may be presumed to be related to his military service due to his Vietnam-era exposure. The claim for bilateral hearing loss is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for a more thorough examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions were denied as there was no evidence of in-service incurrence or aggravation, and the preponderance of the evidence did not support a nexus to service.

The Board found that there was no evidence to support a nexus between the Veteran's current hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as his acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD), and his military service. The preponderance of the evidence did not establish such a connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus did not begin during service, nor are they related to his in-service noise exposure. Therefore, service connection for both conditions was denied.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his left ear hearing loss is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination. The examiner must assess the current severity of his bilateral hearing loss and determine if he has vertigo or other disability manifested by dizziness, which may be related to his hearing loss.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his desire for a Board hearing. The issues of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are still under consideration.