Hearing loss decisions — 2015

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and higher rating for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine were denied. The Veteran did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating for his hearing loss, and his lumbar spine disability did not result in incapacitating episodes or unfavorable ankylosis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is related to his active military service, resolving all doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of a left ankle fracture, finding that the Veteran's current left ankle disorder is secondary to his service-connected right knee disability. The hearing loss and tinnitus claims are remanded.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and evaluations of his hearing loss and respiratory conditions.

The Veteran's hearing acuity was normal upon separation from service, and there is no evidence of an increase in hearing loss during service. The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current bilateral hearing loss disability for VA purposes.,There is no competent credible evidence to support a finding that the Veteran has tinnitus causally related to or aggravated by service.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and additional development is required.

The Veteran's appeal for a compensable initial rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied by the Board. At worst, his bilateral hearing loss is productive of no more than Level II right ear and Level II left ear hearing acuity.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to scheduling issues for a videoconference hearing. The case will be returned to the Board after the hearing.

The Board has denied all service connection claims except for the reopening of a previously denied claim for allergic rhinitis, which was reopened based on new and material evidence. The Veteran's other conditions are not currently shown to be related to his military service.

The Veteran requested to withdraw their appeal concerning the service connection for bilateral hearing loss, and as a result, the appeal is dismissed.

The Board found that there is no current disability with respect to the Veteran's right hand injury and denied his claim for service connection. The hearing loss claim was remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding its etiology.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the cancellation of his scheduled hearing. His claims for service connection are still pending and will be addressed after a new hearing date is set.

The Board found that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss is not related to his service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and low back disability are service-connected due to their onset during combat service in Iraq.

The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is service-connected as secondary to his service-connected PTSD. The Veteran also meets the criteria for SMC based on loss of use of a creative organ.

The Board found that a current acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and depression, is not the result of a disease or injury in active service. The appellant's claim for bilateral hearing loss was also addressed but is remanded due to inadequate examination.

The appeal is being remanded due to the need for further development regarding increased ratings for service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, as these may impact the TDIU claim. The case will be returned to the Board after this additional development.

The Board found that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss did not manifest during service or within one year of separation, and is not otherwise related to service. As a result, the claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to allow for a Board hearing due to the recent receipt of his claims file and changes in scheduling needs. The issues include service connection for various conditions.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for the issue of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The Board dismissed this claim.