Hearing loss decisions — 2017

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss was denied. The Board has remanded the case to obtain additional evidence and schedule a VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss has been rated as noncompensable throughout the appeal period. The Board finds that his current level of hearing impairment does not warrant a compensable rating.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied. The claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. 1151 (2012) for left eye blindness/loss of vision is pending.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration, including referral to the Compensation Director for an extra-schedular determination addressing the combined effect of the Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person or by reason of being housebound is remanded due to incomplete examination report. Additional evidence may be needed from private or VA treatment providers.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is currently rated at 20 percent from May 19, 2017. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted for any period.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss has been rated at 30 percent since June 18, 2016. The Board finds that a higher initial rating is not warranted for the period beginning June 18, 2016.

The Veteran's hearing loss is currently rated as zero percent disabling due to puretone threshold averages no higher than 46 decibels in the right ear and 53 dB in the left ear, with speech recognition scores of at least 92% in both ears. The criteria for a compensable rating have not been met.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, hypertension, bilateral hearing loss, and a left foot disability other than hallux valgus. The Veteran's claim for PTSD was granted with an initial rating of 50 percent. The Veteran's claim for right ankle disability was granted with an initial rating of 10 percent.

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

The Board has determined that the evidence is at least in equipoise and, therefore, applying the benefit-of-the-doubt doctrine, service connection for a right arm disability is granted. The issue of bilateral hearing loss remains pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss and pseudofolliculitis barbae were denied. The Veteran was granted staged ratings for PTSD, but the appeal remains on hold as he has not indicated that any subsequently assigned ratings satisfy his appeal.

The Board has vacated the May 2012 decision, finding that due process was not followed in denying reopening of claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by his representative prior to the Board issuing a decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's Substantive Appeal for an increased rating for his left shoulder disability was timely filed, and therefore grants this portion of his appeal. The claims for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and for an increased rating for his left shoulder disability are being remanded to further develop the record.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss did not manifest during service or within one year of separation, and is not etiologically related to his active service. Therefore, service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied.

The Veteran's right knee disability is proximately due to his service-connected left ankle disability, and the Board finds in favor of granting service connection for this condition.

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

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss was denied. Prior to May 4, 2014, he did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating. Beginning May 4, 2014, his hearing loss warranted a 50 percent disability rating.

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