Hearing loss decisions — 2017

The Veteran's claims for various conditions, including right knee disability and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with intervertebral disc syndrome, were granted. The specific ratings assigned are provided in the decision summary.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is related to military service and he has been granted service connection for this condition. The claim for migraine headaches was denied as there is no current diagnosis of the claimed disorder, and the diabetes mellitus claim is remanded due to a need for additional development.

The Veteran's fibromyalgia was granted a higher rating of 40 percent effective July 10, 2013. Service connection for the back condition and bilateral hearing loss were denied.

The Veteran's tinnitus was found to have begun during service and is therefore granted as incurred in service. The bilateral hearing loss claim remains pending.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to his in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's request for a hearing via video conference has been granted, and the case is being remanded to the AOJ for further development.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has been rated at the maximum schedular disability rating of 100 percent since June 27, 2011.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability has been rated as non-compensable since July 2011. The VA audiological examinations have shown that the Veteran's hearing acuity in both ears is currently at Level I, which does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board found no evidence of hearing loss, tinnitus, or a heart condition during service and denied the Veteran's claims for these conditions.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was previously rated as noncompensable. From August 10, 2016, a 10% disability rating for his bilateral hearing loss is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain medical records and provide clarifying opinions regarding the nature and etiology of his bilateral hearing loss and low back disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a hearing loss disability for VA purposes and therefore, service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied. The low back disability issue remains pending.

The Board granted a 30 percent rating for bilateral hearing loss disability, effective from July 1, 2014.

The Board has ordered additional development due to the need for a new medical opinion regarding the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus claims. The case is being remanded to comply with these orders.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for the issues of entitlement to service connection for emphysema/COPD, higher ratings for bilateral hearing loss and adjustment disorder with anxiety and depressed mood, and a TDIU from May 12, 2008 to December 8, 2010.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied as his current level of hearing impairment does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is currently rated at 70 percent since March 19, 2015. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is not shown to have had its onset during service, was not manifested to a compensable degree within one year following his separation from service in September 1967, and is not related to an injury or event in service. As such, service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of degenerative joint disease of the left shoulder, and thus cannot establish service connection for this condition.,The Veteran's right ear hearing loss was found to be within normal limits on VA audiological testing. Therefore, he is not entitled to service connection for right ear hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his service, and therefore denied both claims.