Hearing loss decisions — 2016

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions, including hearing loss, tinnitus, PTSD, ankle condition, and skin disorder. The VA will also obtain any outstanding treatment records and provide a comprehensive examination.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for tinnitus was granted effective November 26, 2008. The claim for an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss was also granted but with a different effective date of September 9, 2010.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability meeting VA criteria. The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current hearing loss disability or tinnitus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability for VA purposes in his left ear, and thus cannot establish service connection. The right ear hearing loss is found to be conductive rather than sensorineural, which may affect the determination of service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for a right ear hearing loss disability and tinnitus, but the claims of service connection for lumbar strain and left ear hearing loss disability are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear hearing loss and bilateral tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has found new and material evidence to reopen the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus, both claimed as secondary to service-connected type II diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for a foot disability was denied in April 1987, and new evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim. The Board finds that there is no chronic, identifiable right lower extremity disability in or after service.,Service connection for a hand disability, hearing loss disability, and jaw disability were not established as they are not supported by medical evidence of record.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for gastroesophageal disease, bilateral hearing loss, and residuals of jaw injury. The issues were remanded for further development.

The Veteran is unable to maintain substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected PTSD, which has resulted in a TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus did not originate in service or until more than a year following service, and are not otherwise etiologically related to service. Therefore, the claims for service connection have been denied.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain the Veteran's VA treatment records and private treatment records, as well as SSA disability benefits records. The Veteran will also be provided with a new VA examination to address whether any of his claimed conditions are related to service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a lower back disability. The claim for an increased evaluation of PTSD is also remanded due to the Veteran's testimony indicating worsening symptoms.

The Veteran's appeals have been dismissed as he has withdrawn his claims.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable, and the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his failure to appear at a scheduled videoconference hearing. He will be given another opportunity to attend the hearing.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. Resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran, the criteria for entitlement to service connection have been met.

The Veteran's PTSD is found to be service-connected, and he is granted a grant of service connection for PTSD. The hearing loss claim remains on appeal.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were initially denied in May 2009 due to lack of evidence. However, new and material evidence was submitted within one year of the denial, leading to a reopening of the claim. The RO confirmed that the effective date would be July 21, 2009.

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