Hearing loss decisions — 2017

The Board has ordered a new medical opinion to address the Veteran's claim that his hearing loss is related to his service-connected tinnitus. The case is now remanded for compliance with this directive.

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

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, diverticulitis, and a low back disability. The claim for COPD was denied as there is no evidence that it manifested during service or is related to service. Service connection was also denied for shoulder DJD due to lack of in-service injury.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records, particularly related to his hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was evaluated as Level I in both ears, resulting in a non-compensable rating. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral vascular disease of the hands and feet, as well as bilateral hearing loss, have been denied due to lack of a current diagnosis.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.,A VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's left knee disability, chronic lumbar strains, and bilateral pes planus.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain updated findings for his bilateral hearing loss, hepatitis C, and injury to Muscle Group XII. The issue of increased rating for PTSD requires a medical opinion on the effects of any substance abuse disorders.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus has been granted. The Board finds that the Veteran's tinnitus is causally and etiologically linked to his active service noise exposure, and thus grants service connection for tinnitus.

The Veteran's tinnitus was caused by in-service exposure to excessive and harmful noise during his active duty service. Service connection for tinnitus is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss was evaluated as noncompensable under the VA rating schedule, with a puretone average of 42 in the right ear and 38 in the left ear. The Board found that this level did not warrant a compensable rating.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's left ear hearing loss, and thus the claim is being remanded.

The Board finds that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is caused by exposure to acoustic trauma during service, and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board denied service connection for a bilateral hearing loss disability and an increased initial rating for PTSD due to lack of evidence showing the disabilities were incurred or aggravated by service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss is at least as likely as not related to in-service noise exposure, and service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss are etiologically related to service, while his residuals of a cold injury have not been established as being directly related to service. The claim for service connection for residuals of a cold injury is denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there is no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his military service. The Board also found insufficient evidence to establish service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder claimed as secondary to hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was found to be at a level of 10 percent prior to May 2, 2016 and at a level of 20 percent thereafter. The claim for increased ratings is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is currently rated at 20 percent since September 27, 2012. The claim for an increased rating is denied as the evidence does not support a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is found to have its onset during service and has been recurrent since then, warranting service connection.,The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder had its onset during service and was confirmed by a VA mental health provider.