Hearing loss decisions — 2016

The Veteran's hearing loss disability is rated as noncompensable (0%) throughout the appeal period, and no higher rating is warranted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities meet the percentage requirements for a TDIU, and the evidence demonstrates that he is as likely as not unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation by reason of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (bilateral hearing loss, pulmonary tuberculosis with reactive airway disease, impaired range of motion associated with post-thoracotomy pain syndrome, and tinnitus) precluded him from maintaining gainful employment prior to November 20, 2013. As a result, the Board finds that he is entitled to TDIU based on these service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, degenerative joint disease (arthritis), gout/gouty arthritis, rhinitis, and hypertension. The Veteran's claims for these conditions are supported by credible evidence of in-service acoustic trauma and post-service manifestations of the disabilities.

The Board has granted a reduction in the Veteran's disability rating for bilateral hearing loss from 40 percent to 30 percent effective March 11, 2013. The improvement was maintained under ordinary conditions of life.

The Board found that the Veteran's preexisting right ear hearing loss did not undergo a permanent worsening beyond normal progression during his active service, and thus denied entitlement to service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's current hearing loss in the right ear and bruxism are as likely as not attributable to service, thus service connection is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to service, with reasonable doubt resolved in favor of the Veteran.,Service connection for PTSD is granted as the evidence shows a link between current symptoms and an in-service stressor.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been granted as the evidence is at least in equipoise regarding whether these conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional records and a possible VA examination, as well as further consideration of the Veteran's claims.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether these conditions are related to service. The Veteran's current disabilities have been established, and there is credible evidence of noise exposure during service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are caused by or the result of in-service acoustic trauma, and thus service connection is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for scheduling a Board videoconference hearing. The issues include seeking higher disability rating for PTSD, service connection for bilateral hearing loss, and service connection for tinnitus.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the relationship between the Veteran's current hearing loss and tinnitus and his military service, including any in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need to obtain and associate his post-service treatment records, as well as provide him with new VA examinations to assess the severity of his hearing loss, sinus disease, and headaches.

The Veteran is granted service connection for tinnitus and an initial rating of 60 percent for coronary artery disease (CAD) effective since November 18, 2011. The claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss remains pending.,A VA examination will be scheduled to determine if the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is related to service.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss has been rated as noncompensable (0%) since December 13, 2011. The VA determined that the Veteran's hearing acuity did not warrant a higher rating based on the audiometric and speech recognition test results provided.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his active service, with aggravation during service for hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his service, including exposure to noise from artillery equipment. As a result, the appeal for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining his VA treatment records and a VA audiological examination. The issue of TDIU will also be addressed.