Hearing loss decisions — 2016

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss has been evaluated at a noncompensable rating since May 23, 2000. The VA examinations conducted during the appeal period have shown that his hearing acuity did not warrant a compensable evaluation.

The Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus are being remanded for further examination to determine their etiology, as the current VA examinations were deemed inadequate.

The Board found no current hearing loss disability, and the Veteran's claimed ulcer and seizure disorder symptoms were not continuous or recurrent since service separation. Therefore, the claims for these conditions are denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of bilateral hearing loss or tinnitus that is related to his active service. The Veteran's claims for service connection are therefore denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss, hypertension, and cataracts. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to service or secondary to a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, ilio-inguinal nerve entrapment, and left herniorrhaphy scar disabilities have improved to the point that a restoration of their respective ratings is warranted.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated at 10 percent, which is the maximum rating available under VA regulations. The Board found that his disability picture does not warrant referral for extra-schedular consideration.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for a compensable rating for hearing loss.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have current diagnoses of left ear hearing loss for VA purposes and denied service connection for right ear hearing loss as it is less likely than not related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not warrant a compensable rating as his acuity is shown to be at Level I in both ears, which corresponds to a 0 percent disability rating under VA regulations.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current hearing impairment is related to noise exposure during his military service.,Service connection was also granted for residuals of pneumonia. The Board found no evidence linking the Veteran's current respiratory conditions to his service.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability did not meet the criteria for service connection as it was not shown to be related to his military service, specifically due to a lack of continuity of symptomatology and no evidence of in-service noise exposure resulting in hearing loss.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral hearing loss was denied. The appeal is not about service connection at all, but rather a request for higher ratings based on the severity of his hearing impairment.

The Board has ordered a remand due to the need for an addendum opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's hearing loss, as well as the availability of relevant audiometric test results.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss has been manifested by no worse than Level II hearing acuity in the right ear, and Level IV hearing acuity in the left ear. The criteria for a compensable rating have not been met.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss is granted service connection. Service connection for a respiratory disorder, including COPD and asbestosis, is denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, ruptured left ear drum, and emphysema are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to inadequate VA examinations and the need for further medical opinions regarding his claims of bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Veteran's notice of disagreement with the August 2008 rating decision was timely filed, and the appeal is granted.