Hearing loss decisions — 2016

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has been rated at 40 percent since January 10, 2011. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has been granted with a 10% evaluation. The appeal for service connection for vestibular disorder is not addressed in this decision.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional development of his medical records.

The Veteran's initial claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss prior to October 14, 2014 was denied. From October 14, 2014 onwards, he is rated at 40 percent for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a VA audiological examination. The Veteran did not receive notice of an examination and must be provided another opportunity to participate in one.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss.,The Veteran's claims of entitlement to earlier effective dates for left ear tinnitus and hearing loss, due to clear and unmistakable error in the September 1957 rating decision are remanded.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is found to have its onset in service, and the Board finds that service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran does not have a current right knee disability or tinnitus.,There is no medical evidence linking the Veteran's low back disability to service.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and finds that the Veteran's tinnitus is related to his active service. The claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded as there are outstanding medical records needed.

The Veteran's hearing loss disability, as evaluated under the rating schedule for service-connected disabilities, results in a Numeric Designation of XI in the right ear and a Numeric Designation of I in the left ear. This combination corresponds to a 10 percent rating for bilateral hearing loss prior to September 30, 2014, and from that date onward.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are service-connected based on continuity of symptoms since service, with no evidence of intercurrent causes.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA audiological examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his service, granting service connection for both conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service, granting service connection for both conditions.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims, including obtaining medical opinions and records related to his hearing loss and respiratory disorder.

The Veteran's claim for a temporary total evaluation due to hospitalization and convalescence following his March 2008 accident was denied as the criteria for such an evaluation were not met. The Veteran sustained injuries related to his service-connected shoulder disability, but did not meet the requirement of at least 21 days of hospitalization or surgery resulting in immobilization by a cast.

The Board found no evidence linking the Veteran's current bilateral knee and hearing loss disabilities to his service, including multiple parachute jumps. The claim for a bilateral knee disability was denied as there is no probative evidence showing that the condition manifested within one year of separation from active duty. The claim for a bilateral hearing loss disability will be remanded due to inadequate audiological examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus due to inadequate development, including obtaining additional medical records and providing an addendum opinion from a VA examiner.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining inpatient hospitalization records and scheduling a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's pre-existing bilateral hearing loss was aggravated by service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service, including exposure to loud noise during training. As a result, the appeal for these conditions is granted.