Hearing loss decisions — 2017

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn and the case is dismissed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is causally related to his exposure to noise while in service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and anxiety disorder with major depressive disorder have rendered him unemployable since November 10, 2009. His service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a TDIU prior to May 4, 2015.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the current severity of his service-connected left ear hearing loss disability, whether he has a right ear hearing loss disability related to military service, and the etiology of any diagnosed psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations and development to determine the current severity of his service-connected lumbar spine disability, bilateral hearing loss, neurogenic bowel disorder, and cervical spine condition. The Veteran also needs VA examinations to address whether his cervical spine condition is related to his active service or service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss disability is related to his active duty service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination, to determine the etiology of the Veteran's claimed hearing loss and vertigo.

The Veteran's service-connected hearing loss in the right ear has not reached a level that would warrant a compensable rating under VA regulations.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral pes planus, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus were denied as the evidence did not show that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to insufficient medical opinions and need for additional examinations. The issues include evaluating his bilateral hearing loss, service connection for blackouts/seizures, and a left leg disorder secondary to lumbar spine disability.

The Veteran is now service-connected for additional disabilities, including peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, cataracts, and hypertension. These conditions have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since December 8, 2016.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus were not incurred or aggravated by service, as they are not related to his in-service noise exposure. The VA contract examiner concluded that the right ear hearing loss is unrelated to service, while the left ear hearing loss had its onset multiple years after service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not service-connected, as there is no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his active military service. The Board found that the Veteran did not have hearing loss during service or within one year after separation from service, and thus could not establish service connection on a presumptive basis.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied as his audiometric test results did not meet the criteria for any higher evaluation. The issue of service connection for a pulmonary condition (claimed as emphysema) is addressed in the REMAND portion and is REMANDED.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found that new and material evidence was not received to reopen the claim of right shoulder disability, but left knee arthritis is service connected. The Veteran's right knee disabilities are rated based on limitation of motion.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal, so the case is dismissed.

The Board denied the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for a hearing loss disability. The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol and marijuana abuse was rated in excess of 70 percent prior to March 1, 2013 and in excess of 50 percent beginning on March 1, 2013. The TDIU issue is also denied.

The Board has dismissed all issues on appeal due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings for bilateral hearing loss and left knee disability was denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating for his bilateral hearing loss, as his hearing impairment was only Level I in each ear.