Hearing loss decisions — 2016

The Veteran's appeal was denied for a compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss. The Board found that the evidence did not warrant a schedular rating higher than noncompensable.

The Veteran's PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and acne have been granted. The effective date for the acne service connection is pending resolution of a NOD filed in October 2015.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of cold injury, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus due to lack of evidence supporting these claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left ear hearing loss is service-connected, but his right ear hearing loss does not meet VA's definition of hearing loss. The Veteran's PTSD manifestations do not warrant a higher evaluation or TDIU.

The Veteran meets the threshold criteria for a TDIU under the percentage standards set forth in 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(a) due to his service-connected disabilities, and the Board finds that the evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether the limitations due to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities preclude him from securing or following any form of substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted. His conditions are currently rated as service-connected.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, hypertension, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of current disabilities related to these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating in excess of 70 percent for generalized anxiety disorder and depression has been granted, effective from February 23, 2009.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain an updated VA examination for the Veteran's hearing loss claim and to ensure proper consideration of her lay statements regarding noise exposure. The tinnitus claim will be remanded as well due to the lack of a Statement of the Case (SOC).

The Veteran's initial service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been granted, but the rating assigned is noncompensable. The case is being remanded to obtain updated VA records and a VA audiological examination to assess the current severity of his bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are found to have started during his military service.,The Veteran's right hand fracture residuals and pulmonary disorder (including asbestosis) are not currently established by the evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and possibly a VA audiological expert opinion. The issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including new VA examinations and requests for Social Security Administration records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination of his bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of left ear hearing loss for VA purposes and his right ear hearing loss is less likely caused by in-service noise exposure. As such, service connection for both conditions cannot be granted.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are at least as likely as not related to his in-service exposure to acoustic trauma, thus granting service connection for both conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his military service, as there is no evidence of a hearing loss disability during or within one year after service. The preponderance of the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions were incurred in service.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal for the denial of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, effective immediately.

The Board finds that the reduction in rating from 30 percent to 10 percent for bilateral hearing loss disability was not proper due to actual improvement, and thus grants restoration of a 30 percent disability rating effective July 1, 2009.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss warrants a rating of 20 percent, effective from November 14, 2013.