Hearing loss decisions — 2016

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings were denied. His neuropathy of the right and left feet are rated at 20% and 10%, respectively, while his bilateral hearing loss is rated at 10%. The Veteran's PTSD with depressive symptoms continues to be rated at 30%. TDIU remains pending.

The Veteran's initial claim for service-connected bilateral hearing loss was granted with a noncompensable rating effective November 2010. A subsequent increased rating of 10 percent was assigned effective May 12, 2015. The Board found that the evidence did not support an earlier compensable rating or higher ratings.

The Veteran's current right ear hearing loss is at least as likely the result of noise exposure in military service as it is the result of any other possible cause. Therefore, the Board finds that service connection for right ear hearing loss is warranted.

The Veteran's hearing loss was found to be at level I in both ears, which does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation. Therefore, his initial claim for service-connected bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied, and his claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD was also denied.

The Board finds that the Veteran has a current diagnosis of tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss, which are causally related to his military service. Therefore, the claims for service connection for these conditions are granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to inadequate examination and opinion regarding his hearing loss and tinnitus. The case is now pending for further development.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining service treatment records and audiometric testing. The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is being evaluated to determine if it was incurred during his active duty service.

The Veteran's tinnitus and right elbow disability are service-connected, but his bilateral hearing loss is not. The Veteran received a compensable rating for his right elbow.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is related to his exposure to acoustic trauma during his military service, and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the compensable rating for service-connected bilateral hearing loss, and as a result, the appeal is dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected bilateral hearing loss disability and for additional development of medical records.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examination and consideration of new evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to technical issues with the November 2015 Board videoconference hearing. The case will be scheduled for a new Board videoconference hearing at the appropriate RO.

The Veteran's claims for an initial compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss and service connection for a respiratory disorder as due to asbestos exposure were both denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for migraine headaches, hearing loss disability, and lumbar spine disability. The Veteran did not have a diagnosed concussion from his head injury or current post-concussive headaches. His current migraines are attributed to sinus congestion during service. He does not meet VA criteria for a hearing loss disability. The Board found no causal relationship between the Veteran's current conditions and his military service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before the Veteran's claims can be decided, including obtaining legible copies of service medical records and a VA examination for diabetes mellitus, bilateral hearing loss disability, and tinnitus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnoses of bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his service, but the knee disability is not. The case is being remanded for an addendum opinion regarding the knee disability.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss disability and remanded the issue of initial compensable rating for left ear hearing loss disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea and bilateral hearing loss are not related to his military service or a service-connected disability, leading to denial of both claims.