Hearing loss decisions — 2017

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of the grant of service connection for a right thumb disability was granted as evidence from Camp Pendleton Hospital, received in February 2003, showed treatment records that supported his claim.,The Veteran's claim to reopen his bilateral hearing loss claim was denied due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions and potentially locate his service records. The claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, cold weather injuries of the upper and lower extremities, and low back injury will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional audiometric testing results from his August 2013 VA examination, which could affect the rating assigned.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The claim for new and material evidence to reopen the stroke, diabetes mellitus type II, coronary artery disease, and peripheral neuropathy claims was granted.

The Board has determined that service connection is warranted for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, erectile dysfunction, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus.,Service connection was not granted for a chronic fatigue disorder as there is no evidence of record supporting such a claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was aggravated by his active service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea and bilateral hearing loss do not warrant a compensable rating, while his TDIU claim is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for left ear hearing loss and chronic fatigue syndrome, finding that there was no current diagnosis or evidence supporting these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him incapable of securing or following a substantially gainful occupation prior to March 13, 2013.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss did not have its onset in service, was not manifested to a compensable degree within one year of separation from service, and is not otherwise related to service. As such, the claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his active service, as there is no evidence of hearing loss during service or continuous symptoms since service. The claims for service connection are therefore denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service, with reasonable doubt resolved in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran has been granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, which is considered a direct service connection as it was not linked to any specific exposure or presumption.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is not service-connected.,Left-sided facial numbness had its onset during service and is considered service-connected.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for left ear hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and clarification of notification issues.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating greater than 70 percent for PTSD was withdrawn prior to the Board's decision.,Service connection is granted for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, with the evidence being in equipoise as to whether these conditions are related to service.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus but remanded the issue of hearing loss due to additional development.

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

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral sensorineural hearing loss is related to his military service, specifically his role as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam. As such, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left ear hearing loss, a left ring finger disability, and service connection for right ear hearing loss have all been granted. The Veteran is now rated at 10 percent for his left ring finger disability.