Hearing loss decisions — 2016

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete VA medical records, specifically audiological evaluations. The claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are pending further development.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and higher initial rating for PTSD are denied. The appeal is not about service connection, so the TDIU claim proceeds.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher initial rating for his bilateral hearing loss was denied. The Board found that at worst, the Veteran has Level II hearing loss in both ears, so bilaterally.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to a request for a videoconference hearing before the Board. The TDIU claim remains inextricably intertwined with the service connection claims and will be deferred until further development is completed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left ear hearing loss was aggravated by his military service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD. The Veteran's claims are supported by medical evidence showing current diagnoses of these conditions and a link between them and his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss warrants a 10% disability rating, effective from January 2010.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is not shown to meet the criteria for a compensable rating, as it does not exceed Level I in either ear. The Board finds that he is not entitled to a higher initial rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the threshold criteria for a TDIU as his combined disability rating is only 60 percent, which does not exceed the required percentage of 60 percent or more. The Board finds that he does not meet the eligibility requirements for a schedular TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right ear hearing loss disability is as likely as not due to his exposure to very loud noise during active duty service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board finds that the Veteran's claims for service connection are not supported by credible evidence and thus, these claims have been denied.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has been evaluated as noncompensable throughout the appeal period. The VA examinations have shown some fluctuations in his puretone thresholds, but they do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.