Hearing loss decisions — 2015

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for an updated VA examination of his bilateral hearing loss, as he reported a decrease in hearing since the last examination. The case will be returned to the Board after further development.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not preclude him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss was denied. The noncompensable rating assigned prior to December 14, 2010 and the 10 percent rating assigned since then are appropriate.

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

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's current tinnitus is likely related to active military service, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD and bilateral hearing loss due to new evidence submitted. However, the claim for COPD remains denied as there is no current disability found. The claim for bilateral hearing loss also remains denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss did not have its onset during service and was not related to in-service noise exposure. As a result, service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining private treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to assess his ability to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus disabilities, as well as other development needed.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased disability ratings, finding no new and material evidence to reopen his left ear hearing loss claim and denying all other issues on appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected varicose veins of the left and right lower extremities, along with other disabilities, do not meet the criteria for a TDIU due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has ordered additional development to obtain medical records and audiometric results from the Veteran's private otologist. The appeal is currently in remand status due to these pending actions.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining treatment records and VA medical opinions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus has been granted.

The case is being remanded to the AOJ for further development and review of additional evidence, including a September 2014 private audiology examination report.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation consistent with his education and occupational experience.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining private treatment records from the Wichita Ear Clinic and Hillside Medical Office. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered based on the additional evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for a right knee disability and awarded an increased rating of 70 percent for bilateral hearing loss effective February 20, 2013.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are found to preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.