Hearing loss decisions — 2017

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

The Board has remanded the case due to the need to obtain additional medical records and provide a VA examination for both hearing loss and tropical fungus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are service-connected based on continuity of symptomatology since service. The other issues have been remanded for further action.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have tinnitus or bilateral hearing loss that manifested in service or is otherwise related to his military service. As such, service connection for these conditions cannot be established.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are service-connected, with the lung disability being granted based on exposure to asbestos during service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and malaria are found to have contributed to his death from acute coronary syndrome, but not as the principal cause. The claim for DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 is dismissed due to the grant of DIC based on service connection.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to have begun during service and the Board grants service connection for this condition. The issue of bilateral hearing loss remains pending as VA treatment records are needed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left ear hearing loss disorder is not related to his service, including exposure to noise during active duty. The appeal for service connection for left ear hearing loss is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development and the need for additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable, and he does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under VA's tables for evaluating hearing loss.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus. However, the Board found insufficient medical evidence to establish a link between the current hearing loss disabilities and military service.

The Veteran's hearing loss is rated at 70 percent since June 2, 2015. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating or an earlier effective date.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, Gulf War Syndrome, left ear hearing loss, sleep apnea, irritable bowel syndrome, and PTSD with depressive disorder were denied. The Board found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen any of these claims.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to a signed statement from his representative indicating he wishes to withdraw the issues on appeal.

The Board denied service connection for right eye cataract, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The Veteran's right eye cataract was not caused or aggravated by a service-connected disease or injury, to include diabetes mellitus or left eye retinopathy. His bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not shown to be causally related to any disease, injury, or incident in service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease and increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's gastroesophageal reflux disease was not found to be related to his active duty service or caused by pain medication used for his service-connected disabilities. His bilateral hearing loss was rated as noncompensable prior to October 22, 2015, but the Board determined that a compensable rating is warranted since July 26, 2016.

The Board has granted service connection for low back disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The claim of reopening the previously denied low back disorder was also granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and is not related to his military service. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has been rated at 60 percent since the appeal period began. The Board found that his current hearing acuity levels do not warrant a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current right ear hearing loss disability and therefore, service connection for this condition cannot be granted.