Hearing loss decisions — 2015

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus. The claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and depressive disorder not otherwise specified, was also denied due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Veteran's hearing acuity was found to be at its worst level II in the left ear and level III in the right ear during the appeal period, resulting in a noncompensable evaluation for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss disability.

The Veteran's employment is not considered marginal or in a protected environment, and his service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's hearing loss disability was rated at a 10 percent rating beginning August 24, 2011. The preponderance of the evidence supports this rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to a lack of proper notification for an examination, and the case is now returned to the AOJ for further development.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability was rated at 10 percent prior to June 25, 2012 and has been rated at 50 percent since that date.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is currently rated at 40 percent, and the evidence does not support a higher rating. The Board finds that he is not entitled to an increased rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss.

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

The Veteran's claim of service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus has been reopened, and both conditions are now considered to be related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of bilateral knee disability or bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, and therefore service connection cannot be granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus is granted, while his claim for an increased rating for low back strain remains pending. His TDIU claim has been referred to the Compensation Director due to evidence suggesting he is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not meet or approximate the criteria for a compensable evaluation under any applicable rating code.

The Board found no evidence linking the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss or tinnitus to service, including conceded noise exposure. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been presented to reopen the claim of service connection for bilateral pes planus. The Veteran's hearing loss claim is remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case for a Travel or Videoconference hearing before a Veteran's Law Judge at the RO in Los Angeles, California. The claims of increased rating for bilateral hearing loss and reopening of service connection claim for gastrointestinal disabilities are pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a videoconference hearing. The issues of service connection for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and asbestosis are still pending.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant before a decision was made.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining the Veteran's service personnel records and conducting new VA examinations. The issues of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss and entitlement to higher disability ratings for left and right knee disabilities are pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus did not begin during or as a result of his military service, including noise exposure.