Hearing loss decisions — 2015

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied as his hearing acuity did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation under VA's rating schedule.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss does not meet or approximate the criteria for a compensable disability rating under VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities. The most recent audiometric testing did not show any significant improvement in his hearing acuity, and thus no higher evaluation is warranted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left elbow condition, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus are not service-connected as they were either pre-existing conditions or did not manifest during active duty.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left ear hearing loss is related to his active duty service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that there is no current evidence of a diagnosed respiratory disorder or bilateral hearing loss, and thus service connection for these conditions cannot be granted. The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied as the disability does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has been manifested by no worse than Level II hearing impairment in either ear, and he currently receives a noncompensable rating for this disability. The issue of entitlement to TDIU is also denied.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable prior to April 9, 2012 and the Board finds that a compensable evaluation is not warranted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service, including noise exposure during active duty.

The Board has remanded the claims due to the need to obtain additional VA treatment records and issue a supplemental statement of the case.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a left ear hearing loss disability for VA compensation purposes during his period of service. Right ear hearing loss and bilateral tinnitus were caused by acoustic trauma during active service.,Service connection is granted for right ear hearing loss and bilateral tinnitus, as these conditions are found to be related to noise exposure in service.

The Veteran's initial schedular disability evaluation for bilateral hearing loss has been granted at a 10 percent rating, effective from May 24, 2010. No extraschedular evaluation was granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his military service, including noise exposure. As a result, the claims for service connection have been denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss, bilateral plantar fasciitis, and restless leg syndrome have been denied as the evidence does not support a compensable rating or any increase in disability.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss with loss of balance is denied as it was not caused by carelessness, negligence, lack of proper skill, error in judgment or similar instance on the part of VA in furnishing hospital care, medical or surgical treatment, or examination.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss has been rated as noncompensable since March 27, 2007. The most probative evidence indicates the Veteran's hearing loss has been manifested by Level II hearing loss in the right ear and Level I hearing loss in the left ear at worst.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and providing VCAA notice.

The Board found that the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus did not manifest during service or due to noise exposure, thus denying service connection for both conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a VA examination to determine if his current hearing loss disability and tinnitus are related to service, including noise exposure and head trauma.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues with scheduling a VA examination and verifying the Veteran's address. The claim will be returned for further development.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for clarification regarding the use of the Maryland CNC speech discrimination test in a June 2011 audiological report.