Hearing loss decisions — 2017

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss disability was evaluated as 10 percent disabling based on the results of his VA audiological examinations. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination and issuance of a supplemental statement of the case.

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

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss is being remanded due to the inability to schedule a VA examination while he was incarcerated. The Board requests that a VA audiology examination be scheduled to determine if his current left ear hearing loss is related to in-service acoustic trauma.

The Veteran's hearing loss disability has been evaluated as zero percent (non-compensable) throughout the appeal period, with no evidence of any higher evaluation being warranted.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been assigned a 10 percent evaluation, which is the maximum rating authorized for these conditions under VA regulations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is not causally or etiologically related to his military service, specifically his noise exposure therein. As such, the claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and left ear hearing loss disability, but denied right ear hearing loss disability.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease is rated at 60 percent, and the Board has granted a TDIU based on his other service-connected conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen it. The examiner concluded that the current hearing loss disability is unrelated to service.

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

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is not related to his active service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board found no evidence of hearing loss or tinnitus in service, and the medical opinion concluded that these conditions are not related to service. The Veteran's current hearing loss is diagnosed as sensorineural hearing loss, which was not shown during service.

The Board found that the reduction in the disability rating for bilateral hearing loss from 10 percent to noncompensable was not proper. The Veteran is entitled to a compensable rating of 20 percent for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for service-connected hemorrhoids and left ear hearing loss were denied as there was no evidence of the severity required for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's service-connected hearing loss does not render him so helpless as to require the regular aid and attendance of another person to perform personal care functions or to protect himself from hazards. The Board found that his nonservice-connected disabilities, such as Alzheimer's disease, COPD, cervical spine disease, gouty arthritis, diabetes mellitus, and emphysema, result in him needing assistance with daily activities.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and recurrent tinnitus are found to have begun during service due to noise exposure, and the Board has granted service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for right knee degenerative joint disease, left ear hearing loss, migraine headaches, and allergic rhinitis have been granted effective from August 19, 2013. The Veteran is now rated at 10 percent for each of these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder disability is not related to his service and therefore denied this claim. The hearing loss claim will be remanded for further development.