Hearing loss decisions — 2016

The Veteran's migraine disorder, along with other service-connected conditions, has been rated at 50% since November 27, 2012. The Board also found that the Veteran is unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities prior to this date and granted a TDIU on an extraschedular basis.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is not related to his military service, as he had normal hearing upon separation and there was no evidence of a significant threshold shift during service. The most probative evidence against a finding of continuity of symptoms since service has been provided by VA examiners.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have a current disability of an acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral hearing loss, or tinnitus as a result of service. The VA examiners concluded that these conditions are less likely than not caused by or related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not warrant an initial compensable rating, as his puretone thresholds and speech recognition scores do not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation under VA's auditory impairment rating schedule.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and Social Security Administration (SSA) disability records. A new examination will be scheduled to assess the current severity of his service-connected bilateral hearing loss, and a VA medical examination will be conducted to determine the functional effects of his service-connected disabilities on his ability to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left ear hearing loss is related to in-service acoustic trauma and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss, gastroesophageal reflux disease, positive tuberculosis tine test, and left eye disability are denied as there is no evidence of a current disability or etiological link to service.

The Board denied service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, a jaw or chin condition, and valvular heart disease. The claims were not granted as the evidence did not show a current disability related to these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is not related to his military service and has denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for additional VA audiology examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including chronic adjustment disorder with anxiety, diabetic nephropathy, bilateral hearing loss, diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction, tinnitus, and status post shrapnel injuries, have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU rating.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss has been rated as 0 percent disabling throughout the appeals period, and does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for squamous cell carcinoma of the right vocal cord, residuals of carcinoma of the larynx (hoarseness), and bilateral hearing loss. The claim for a disability rating in excess of 30 percent for residuals of carcinoma of the larynx, salivary glands impairment was not addressed.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability has been rated at 10 percent since January 4, 2016. The Board found that the current evaluation adequately reflects the severity of his condition based on the applicable rating criteria.

The Board found that the Veteran's pre-existing hearing loss did not worsen during service and is less likely caused by military noise exposure. Therefore, service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied.

The Veteran's hearing loss was rated at 10 percent effective June 18, 2009. The Board denied entitlement to higher ratings for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service, including exposure to noise from artillery and equipment.

The Board has determined that the current rating decision is not final and requires further development before a determination can be made on the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for hearing loss. The Veteran's current hearing loss is found to be at least as likely as not related to his military service, warranting service connection.