Hearing loss decisions — 2015

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the evidence did not demonstrate a current disability or a link to service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA vocational rehabilitation records and a retrospective medical opinion regarding the Veteran's employability prior to March 31, 2010.

The Veteran's gallbladder condition, bilateral upper extremity condition (including tenosynovitis and peripheral neuropathy), periodontal disease, and bilateral hearing loss are not found to be related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus or service. As such, the claims for these conditions have been denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities meet the schedular percentage requirements for TDIU, and the Board finds that he is unable to secure or maintain any substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that there is no current bilateral hearing loss disability for VA compensation purposes, as defined by the applicable regulations. As a result, the claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Veteran withdrew their appeal before the Board could make a decision.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae and right ear hearing loss are being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records, including a skin examination and an audiological examination.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, warranting a rating of 70 percent. Service connection for the other conditions was granted.

The Veteran's gastrointestinal disorder, respiratory disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus are all found to be related to service. The Board grants the Veteran's claims for these conditions.

The Board finds that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his in-service exposure to acoustic trauma, and grants service connection for these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, but the Veteran's increased rating claims for PTSD, hernia residuals, TBI, and headaches are remanded due to outstanding evidence.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. After reviewing all available records, including VA examinations and treatment records, it was found that the Veteran had a history of noise exposure during his military service which resulted in current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The Board concluded that these conditions are related to his active duty service.

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

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service records and the need for additional VA examinations.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss disability is found to be related to his active service, and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss based on the Veteran's in-service noise exposure. The decision also grants the benefit of doubt to the Veteran regarding his current hearing loss.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new VA audiometric examination to determine the current level of severity of his service-connected bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any right ear hearing loss and right ear acoustic neuroma, including whether they are related to herbicide exposure in service. The case is REMANDED for these purposes.

The Veteran has bilateral hearing loss that is the result of disease or injury incurred during active military service.

The Veteran's representative has withdrawn his appeals for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and service connection for diabetic retinopathy. The claims are therefore dismissed.