Hearing loss decisions — 2016

The Board has remanded the case for clarification of speech recognition scores and for obtaining records from SSA. The Veteran's claim remains pending.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and readjudication, including consideration of earlier effective dates for service connection and increased ratings.

The Board denied a higher rating for bilateral hearing loss on an extraschedular basis, finding that the current 20 percent rating adequately addresses the Veteran's occupational impairment.

The Board has determined that service connection is granted for tinnitus, as the Veteran reported hearing loss and tinnitus since service. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss was not established due to lack of evidence showing a current disability related to service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection of bilateral hearing loss disability. The Veteran is found to have a current disability of tinnitus, but not of bilateral hearing loss. Service connection for tinnitus is granted.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings and TDIU were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating or TDIU based on service-connected conditions.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a current hearing loss disability for VA compensation purposes and no diagnosis or other findings of tinnitus. Therefore, the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are denied.

The Board denied service connection for a back disability and right ear hearing loss due to lack of evidence linking the disabilities to service.,Service connection was granted for left ear hearing loss as being caused by military noise exposure.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss, finding that his service-connected hearing impairment did not warrant a higher evaluation based on the objective audiometric test results provided.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is not related to his period of service and therefore denied his claim for service connection. The claims for peripheral neuropathy in both upper extremities and erectile dysfunction are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining service personnel records and medical records, scheduling VA examinations, and attempting to obtain outstanding treatment records.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability has remained at a noncompensable level prior to August 6, 2015 and in excess of 20 percent thereafter. Therefore, the claim for increased ratings is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Board hearing. The claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss prior to November 30, 2015, and in excess of 10 percent thereafter remains before the Board.

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability. The issues of bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and removal of ingrown toenail from the left fifth toe are dismissed due to withdrawal by the Veteran.

Your appeal is being remanded to reschedule your Board hearing at the RO due to your request and current circumstances. The Veteran requested a hearing but was out of country on the scheduled date.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before the Veteran's remaining claims on appeal can be decided.

The Board has reopened the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that new and material evidence has been received. The Veteran's tinnitus is found to have its onset during active service and is considered secondary to his service-connected disability.

The Veteran's lower back disability was not incurred in or aggravated by service. His left ear hearing loss and gastroesophageal disability are pending as additional evidence is needed to determine their etiology.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development due to concerns about the completeness of the audiologic examination and the consideration of post-service noise exposure.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for his thoracolumbar degenerative joint disease, denied service connection for a neck disability, and did not address the earlier effective date claim as it was not properly before the Board.