Hearing loss decisions — 2017

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus. However, the evidence does not support a finding of service connection for either condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a new VA audiological examination to assess the severity of his bilateral hearing loss.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is not related to his military service, including noise exposure as a helicopter pilot. The evidence does not support a finding of in-service incurrence or aggravation of an injury or disease.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus cannot be granted as there is no evidence of a current disability, or a relationship between any such disabilities and his military service.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied as the audiometric test results did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for prostate disorder, left eye injury, bilateral hearing loss, and sinus condition. The evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection in any of these cases.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and need for a new VA audiological examination. The issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are being reviewed.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his back disorder and left ear hearing loss, finding that he did not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on functional limitations or additional disability due to pain.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his bilateral hearing loss disability was denied because he failed to report for a VA audiological examination without good cause.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and a higher rating for vertebral fracture, T10 compression was denied. The Board found no basis for the requested increased ratings based on the current evidence of record.

The Veteran's hearing acuity has not reached a level sufficient to warrant a compensable rating under the schedular criteria, and his claim for a higher rating is denied.

The Veteran's left-ear hearing loss and chloracne were not service-connected as the evidence does not show a current disability or link to service.

The Veteran does not have a bilateral hearing loss disability for VA purposes and therefore, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is found to be a result of his active duty service, specifically during his Army Reserve service. Service connection is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and denied a compensable rating for left ear hearing loss. The Veteran's symptoms of snoring, fatigue, and daytime tiredness are considered in-service and have continued since his active duty service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining private treatment records and scheduling a VA audiology examination to address the Veteran's hearing loss disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left ear hearing loss is related to his service, but his right ear hearing loss is not. The claim for left ear hearing loss is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred in or aggravated by service, as there is no evidence of these conditions during his military service. The Board also found that the current manifestations are not related to service.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss was denied. The Court held that evidence added to the record since the May 2005 rating decision, denying service connection for PTSD, is new and material, and the claim for service connection is reopened. However, the criteria for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, sleep apnea, liver disorder, diabetes mellitus, diabetic neuropathy of the upper extremities, diabetic neuropathy of the lower extremities, and skin cancer have not been met.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions have been granted, with a specific rating of 20 percent for lumbosacral discogenic disease. The other conditions are rated as compensable.