Hearing loss decisions — 2016

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his bilateral hearing loss disability, and for updated treatment records.

The Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal regarding the reopening of a claim for bilateral hearing loss disability, and as such, the Board has dismissed the appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is related to his in-service noise exposure and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that it is as likely as not that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his service, thus granting service connection for these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and erectile dysfunction, finding that the Veteran's conditions are related to his active duty service. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is also granted.

The Veteran's heart disability, including paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, has been reopened. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss and concussion is denied due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service. Service connection for a chronic headache disability is also denied.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for PTSD, compression fracture at L2 of the lumbar spine with degenerative disc disease, left otitis media with ruptured tympanic membrane, left saphenous nerve entrapment, or bilateral hearing loss disability.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed, including obtaining the Veteran's service treatment records from his active duty period. The case will be returned to the AOJ for further action.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has been rated as noncompensable throughout the appeal period, and no higher rating is warranted.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and initial evaluations for his PTSD, major depressive disorder, mechanical cervical muscle strain, and mechanical lumbar strain have been withdrawn. The case is being remanded to obtain updated VA treatment records and a neurological examination.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss had its onset in service and is granted as service connected. The issue of an initial compensable rating for left ear hearing loss is remanded.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete records from Dr. P.C.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and private treatment records related to the Veteran's left ear hearing loss, bilateral upper and lower neuropathy, and bilateral lower extremity eczema/sebopsoriasis.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a circulatory disability has been withdrawn. The issue of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability is remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case for further development of the evidentiary record, including a supplemental VA medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's diagnosed bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hearing loss warrants a 10% rating effective April 30, 2013. The appeal is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that there was no evidence of a chronic condition during service or an applicable presumption period and noting that post-service audiometric testing showed normal hearing. The Board also found that the only medical opinion to address the etiology of the hearing loss weighed against the claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current hearing loss disability of either ear as defined by VA regulations, and thus service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Veteran's left knee disability, including a tear of the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus with chondrocalcinosis and arthritis, is rated at 10 percent. The Board granted an increased rating for instability of the left knee.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss, finding that there was no evidence of in-service noise exposure or a nexus to current symptoms.