Hearing loss decisions — 2016

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss was denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for an initial compensable or greater rating prior to January 25, 2013 and in excess of 20 percent from that date.

The Veteran's PTSD and TDIU claims are being remanded for further evaluation as the last VA examination was conducted over six years ago.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability for VA purposes and left ear hearing loss pursuant to Hensley did not meet the criteria for service connection due to lack of in-service incurrence or aggravation, as evidenced by normal hearing acuity at entrance and separation from service. The examiner concluded it was less likely than not that the Veteran's current hearing loss was caused by or resulted from noise exposure during service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have been granted, with a noncompensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and a 10 percent rating for right elbow tendonitis effective August 2, 2013. The claims for restless leg syndrome, right knee condition, and left knee condition were denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are etiologically related to his service, resulting in a grant of service connection for both conditions.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and PTSD have been rated based on their current severity, with no higher ratings granted. The Veteran does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating for his hearing loss or an increased rating for his PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been reopened. The Board finds that the evidence is sufficient to establish that his left and right ear hearing loss are related to service, with aggravation beyond normal progression of the disease by noise exposure in service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current hearing loss disability in both ears is related to service, and thus service connection for left ear and right ear hearing loss is granted.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The Veteran's current hearing disability is related to in-service acoustic trauma, and his symptoms have persisted since separation from service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus and left ear hearing loss are related to his service, but he does not have a right ear hearing loss disability for VA purposes.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal concerning the issue of whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen a previously denied claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board finds that the Veteran's reports of ringing in his ears since being exposed to loud noises in service are consistent with the circumstances of his service and with his military occupational specialties. The currently demonstrated tinnitus was caused by in-service exposure to excessive and harmful noise.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear hearing loss, tinnitus, and tinea cruris.,All three conditions are related to the Veteran's active military service.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death, and the Board does not have jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this appeal.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD and bilateral hearing loss are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining records of in-service chemical exposure and scheduling VA examinations.

The Veteran's appeal of his claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been withdrawn, and the Board is dismissing the appeal.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and has determined that new and material evidence has been received. The Board also found that there is a reasonable possibility of establishing service connection based on noise exposure during service, thus granting the claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current right ear hearing loss disability for VA purposes, and thus cannot establish service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss did not manifest during service or within one year thereafter and is not otherwise causally related to his military service.