Hearing loss decisions — 2017

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, increased ratings for low back disability and left foot disability, and entitlement to SMC based on aid and attendance/housebound allowance. The reduction from a 10 percent rating to a noncompensable rating for left ankle scar was also found improper. TDIU was not granted.

The Board has determined that a new VA audiological examination and opinion is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, as the previous examiner's opinion was inadequate.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder, major depressive disorder, and bilateral hearing loss. The decision is final as to these issues.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's puretone thresholds were within normal limits during her military service and there is no evidence of a current disability.

The Board found that the reduction of the Veteran's disability rating from 30 percent to noncompensable for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss was proper due to actual improvement in his overall disability. The RO had previously increased the disability rating to 30 percent effective March 21, 2011.

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

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining an addendum opinion from a VA examiner regarding the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The Veteran also requested a videoconference hearing at the RO to discuss his PTSD claim.

The Veteran's claim for initial compensable and subsequent increased evaluations for bilateral hearing loss prior to January 29, 2014, and on or after that date was denied. The current evaluation of 40 percent is considered appropriate based on the audiometric findings.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to concerns about the Veteran's current left ear hearing loss disability.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to incomplete records and inadequate examination.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to inadequate medical opinion addressing the Veteran's lay statements regarding noise exposure.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration due to inadequate examination in determining the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss are service-connected, with no specific rating assigned or effective date provided.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to his request in a letter dated April 2017.

The Veteran's vertigo and tinnitus are found to be secondary to his service-connected left ear chronic suppurative otitis media. The bilateral hearing loss is not considered due to or the result of his service-connected condition.

The Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus with diabetic neuropathy and coronary artery disease have been granted as they are presumed to be due to Agent Orange exposure.,For the remaining conditions, further examination is needed to determine their etiology.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is related to military noise exposure and grants service connection for this condition. The claim of service connection for hearing loss remains pending as it was not addressed in the March 2011 rating decision.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss has not reached a level that warrants a compensable initial rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current back disability and bilateral foot disability are not related to service, while his hearing loss and tinnitus have been remanded for further development.

The appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant's attorney prior to the Board's decision.