Hearing loss decisions — 2016

The Board found that the Veteran's left ear hearing loss preexisted his active military service and was not aggravated by it. As a result, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to service, as there is no evidence of in-service noise exposure or a current disability. The VA examiner concluded that the Veteran's hearing loss was more likely due to age-related changes rather than military noise exposure.

The Board has granted service connection for a right eye disability, but the ratings for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss remain unchanged. The case is remanded to issue a Statement of the Case for these issues.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss has been denied. The initial compensable rating and a rating in excess of 20 percent from August 25, 2012 have not been met.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been evaluated based on the applicable VA rating criteria. The Veteran is currently receiving a 20 percent disability rating for his bilateral hearing loss, which is the maximum schedular rating allowed under the applicable VA rating criteria. For tinnitus, he has received the maximum schedular evaluation of 10 percent. No higher ratings are warranted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and a VA audiological examination to reassess the severity of his service-connected left ear hearing loss disability. The issue will also be referred to VBA for consideration of whether an extraschedular evaluation is warranted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable, as he is able to work despite his lumbar spine disability and other conditions. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a finding of total occupational impairment due to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has been evaluated at a 20% rating, which is the maximum schedular evaluation available for this condition.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability has been rated as noncompensable throughout the appeal period. The VA examinations have consistently shown mild to moderate sensorineural hearing loss in both ears, which does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and medical opinions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a positive tuberculosis test and head injuries have been denied. The claim for increased rating for service-connected scar residuals of varicose vein stripping, left lower extremity is pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, liver condition (degenerative joint disease), and erectile dysfunction are related to his active duty service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus claims due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently evaluated as 40 percent disabling, effective June 23, 2010. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher initial rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss is likely related to his military service, and thus grants service connection for this condition. The issue of entitlement to service connection for a right knee disability remains pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus disability had its onset during service and is therefore granted. The Veteran's hypertension does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions have been denied. The Board found no evidence to support the Veteran's assertions that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss are not related to his military service, as there is no evidence of in-service noise exposure or treatment for these conditions. The preponderance of the evidence does not support a finding of service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right hand disability, diagnosed as status post carpal tunnel syndrome release, is due to military service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is found to be at least as likely as not related to active service, and the claim for service connection for this condition is granted.