Hearing loss decisions — 2015

The Board found that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss was not incurred or aggravated by service, as there was no evidence of a significant change in hearing during service and post-service medical records did not show any complaints or treatment for hearing loss until many years after separation from service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability was rated at 20 percent prior to June 10, 1999 and remains at that level thereafter.

The Veteran's appeal includes multiple issues related to his service-connected disabilities and new claims. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary for the issuance of a Statement of the Case on certain issues, including those involving sleep apnea and hemorrhoids/dizziness.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have bilateral hearing loss disability for VA purposes and tinnitus was not incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable disability rating for left ear hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected condition.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for nonservice-connected pension benefits and did not address service connection issues. The decision is final.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's current diagnosis of bilateral hearing loss is found to be related to his military noise exposure, and thus service connection is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his military service, including noise exposure. The earliest clinical evidence of these conditions is from many years after he left active duty.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is caused by his active service and has granted his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's initial noncompensable rating for bilateral hearing loss prior to November 3, 2011 is denied as his hearing impairment did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain medical records and a supplemental VA medical opinion regarding his claimed conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus had its onset during service and is granted service connection. The issue of bilateral hearing loss remains pending as there are insufficient medical records to determine if it was incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been rated as noncompensable and 10 percent, respectively. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a compensable rating for his bilateral hearing loss or a rating in excess of 10 percent for his tinnitus.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim to reopen previously denied claims for service connection for hearing loss. The issue of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss is addressed in the REMAND portion of the decision and is REMANDED.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is attributable to acoustic trauma exposure in service, and thus grants his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that service connection for tinnitus is granted, but the issue of service connection for bilateral hearing loss remains pending and requires further development.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus as the Veteran's hearing loss was noted at entry into service, did not increase in severity during service beyond natural progress of disease, and there is no evidence that his tinnitus began during or was aggravated by service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is at least as likely as not due to his military service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for TMJ, prostate disability (erectile dysfunction), hypertension, GERD, hematuria, and sinus disabilities are denied as there is no evidence of a nexus to his military service or herbicide exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is related to his service-connected left ear hearing loss and has granted service connection for this condition on a secondary basis.