Hearing loss decisions — 2015

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to a lack of VA examination and notification. The claims are being returned to the AOJ for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current bilateral hearing loss disability and there is no evidence of in-service noise exposure or any other link between his military service and his claimed condition. As such, he is not entitled to service connection for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate rationale in the May 2015 VA examination, requiring clarification on the etiology of any current bilateral hearing loss and discussion of effects of in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is found to have originated during his period of active duty and service connection is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his request for a videoconference hearing. The claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, PTSD, and an acquired psychiatric disorder will be considered further.

The Veteran's claim for increased evaluations for bilateral hearing loss prior to October 14, 2014 and on or after October 14, 2014 was denied as the evidence did not show an exceptional pattern of hearing impairment that would warrant a higher evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred in or aggravated by service, and may not be presumed to have been so incurred.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disorder and initial ratings for gout in the bilateral feet and bilateral hearing loss due to lack of current diagnosed chronic disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen his previously denied claim. The Board also determined that the Veteran did not have a current disability due to in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining his Reserve service records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew all remaining claims that were at issue in this appeal prior to the Board's decision.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability of bilateral hearing loss, as defined by VA regulations. Therefore, his claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability appeal is withdrawn. The lumbar spine disability claim was denied as there was no in-service incurrence or chronicity of symptoms, and arthritis did not manifest within one year of service separation.

The Veteran's initial noncompensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Veteran's initial increased rating for bilateral hearing loss from noncompensable to 20 percent effective October 5, 2012 was granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service, including exposure to noise during his period of active duty. As a result, the appeal for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's fibromyalgia, bilateral hearing loss, and bilateral otitis media have been evaluated based on the applicable rating criteria. The claims for increased ratings are denied as the current evaluations under the schedular criteria adequately reflect the severity of these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's tinnitus is as likely as not attributable to his active military service. The issue of bilateral hearing loss remains pending and will be remanded.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, but the issues of service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus remain unresolved. The decision is mixed as some aspects are granted while others are denied.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating for his service-connected left ear hearing loss was denied, but he was granted service connection for tinnitus.