Hearing loss decisions — 2015

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of bilateral hearing loss was denied as there was no pending unadjudicated claim and the February 2005 rating decision is final. The earliest possible effective date is April 30, 2013.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a bilateral hearing loss disability and finds that it is related to in-service noise exposure. The Veteran's testimony explains his post-service occupational noise exposure, but does not negate his in-service noise exposure as an artillery surveyor.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his employability. The claims for increased PTSD and asbestosis ratings are also being considered.

The Veteran's service-connected inactive pulmonary tuberculosis is found to be the primary cause of his current chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiovascular conditions (including coronary artery disease and hypertension), sleep apnea, right lower extremity femur fracture, left lower extremity femur fracture, anxiety disorder NOS, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and back condition involving degenerative joint disease.,The Veteran's service-connected inactive pulmonary tuberculosis is found to be the primary cause of his current cardiovascular conditions (including coronary artery disease and hypertension), sleep apnea, right lower extremity femur fracture, left lower extremity femur fracture, anxiety disorder NOS, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and back condition involving degenerative joint disease.,The Veteran's service-connected inactive pulmonary tuberculosis is found to be the primary cause of his current sleep apnea, right lower extremity femur fracture, left lower extremity femur fracture, anxiety disorder NOS, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and back condition involving degenerative joint disease.,The Veteran's service-connected inactive pulmonary tuberculosis is found to be the primary cause of his current right lower extremity radiculopathy and left lower extremity radiculopathy.,The Veteran's service-connected inactive pulmonary tuberculosis is found to be the primary cause of his current anxiety disorder NOS, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and back condition involving degenerative joint disease.

The Board denied referral for extraschedular consideration and denied service connection for right ear hearing loss. The Veteran's case is remanded to the AOJ for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, lung disability, tinnitus, and hearing loss, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic obstructive sleep apnea, finding that the Veteran's account of a nasal injury sustained during active duty is credible and supports his claim. The other issues remain pending for further development.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is manifested by no more than a level II hearing loss in each ear, and the criteria for a compensable rating are not met.

The Board found no evidence of a hearing loss disability within one year after separation from service and denied the Veteran's claim for bilateral hearing loss. For tinnitus, the Board determined that there was insufficient evidence to establish its onset during service or relate it to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, with the exception of some issues related to his prostate condition and sleep apnea. The decision also includes a determination that he is eligible for special monthly compensation.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining relevant medical records and providing the Veteran with a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any hearing loss and acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is related to his in-service noise exposure, and thus service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his active service, with at least equipoise evidence in favor of this determination. As a result, service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss and is now considering an initial compensable rating for left ear hearing loss.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional medical records and to provide the Veteran with an appropriate VA examination in order to determine the etiology of his current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Board found no evidence of a current disability, as the Veteran's hearing was normal at separation from service. The claim for bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the nature and etiology of his bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, left knee condition, and acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 100 percent disabling, effective from the date of this decision. The Veteran's TDIU claim is denied as his other service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is not related to his service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeal of his claim for a compensable initial disability rating for bilateral hearing loss. The claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability, right hip disability, and left knee disability is denied as there is no evidence showing that these conditions are related to active military service.