Hearing loss decisions — 2016

The Board has reopened the claim regarding the character of the Veteran's discharge and granted service connection for PTSD with depression. The decision also addressed the severance of right ear hearing loss and termination of nonservice-connected pension, finding it improper.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for service-connected bilateral hearing loss was denied. The Board also found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for reopening previously denied claims of service connection for a psychiatric disability other than PTSD, right upper extremity neuropathy, and TDIU.

The Veteran's hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable (0%) due to the presence of Level III hearing in both ears, which does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has been manifested by auditory acuity levels of Level I in the right ear and Level III in the left ear, which do not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation. The Board finds that an initial non-compensable rating is appropriate.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hearing loss in the left ear has been denied as he does not meet the criteria for a disability under VA regulations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim due to inadequate development of records and need for further examination. The case will be returned to the AOJ for further action.

The Veteran requested to withdraw all issues on appeal, including the ones related to cervical spine disability. The Board has dismissed the appeal due to this request.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and squamous cell carcinoma involving the nasopharynx, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his military service or exposure to herbicides.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The Veteran's left ear hearing loss is found to have manifested in service, while his right ear hearing loss is presumed due to acoustic trauma from a rocket attack during service. Tinnitus is also found to have started in service.

The Veteran's currently diagnosed sleep apnea was incurred during his active duty, and the Board grants entitlement to service connection for this condition.

The Veteran has withdrawn all of his claims from appellate status, and the appeals are dismissed.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to obtain or maintain gainful employment, and the criteria for a TDIU are therefore not met.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Board finds that the Veteran likely has bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus that are attributable to his active military service, meeting the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's tinnitus was incurred in service and is granted. The Board finds that the Veteran has competent evidence of current bilateral hearing loss, but insufficient medical evidence to establish a nexus between his current hearing loss and service. His right thumb disability, bilateral foot condition, and sleep apnea are remanded for further examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation under VA rating criteria.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his active service, and therefore denied both claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, Parkinson's disease, heart disability, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, sleep apnea, and erectile dysfunction are not fully developed. The appeal is REMANDED to allow for further development.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to December 6, 2012, for the award of service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability is being remanded due to a referral of a CUE motion in a March 1985 rating decision.