Hearing loss decisions — 2017

The Veteran withdrew the appeal for a higher initial disability rating for left ear hearing loss, leaving only the service connection issue unresolved.

The Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal, and as a result, the appeal has been dismissed.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability has been rated as noncompensable since service connection was established. The VA examinations have consistently shown Level I or II hearing in both ears, which corresponds to a noncompensable rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is related to his military service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an extraschedular rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss, finding that the evidence did not show symptomatology due to the disability that was not contemplated by the rating schedule and there were no periods of marked interference with employment or frequent hospitalization.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right ear hearing loss disability, finding that it is related to his military service and secondary to his service-connected left ear hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and PTSD are related to his military service, with resolution of reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for dermatitis and an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, finding that there is no evidence linking his current skin condition or hearing loss to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of recent VA treatment records and an incomplete evaluation of the Veteran's hearing loss disability. The Veteran will be scheduled for a VA examination to determine the severity of his bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current left ear hearing loss disability as defined by VA regulation and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was granted a higher rating of 20 percent effective October 7, 2013. Service connection for left ankle disorder, diabetes mellitus, and bilateral hearing loss were all granted.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is found to be due to in-service exposure to acoustic trauma. The right knee disability is not service connected.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's hearing loss and back disability, including obtaining service treatment records and conducting a VA examination.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and granted service connection for tinnitus. The issue of residuals of a broken nose, to include sinus problems is pending as the Veteran contends these conditions are related to an auto accident during active duty.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability and right ear hearing loss have been reopened, and he is now service-connected for these conditions. His tinnitus claim has also been reopened.,He was granted increased ratings for his bilateral pes planus disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his service, granting service connection for both conditions.

The Board has determined that a new VA audiological examination is needed to address the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to inadequate opinion in the previous examination. The case will be remanded for this purpose.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to his in-service noise exposure. The skin disability and COPD claims are remanded due to lack of a VA examination.

The Board has granted a 100% rating for hypothyroidism and a 10% rating for bilateral hearing loss effective from August 8, 2013 to December 28, 2015. The Veteran's other periods of service connection have been correctly rated as noncompensable.