Hearing loss decisions — 2017

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was not shown to have manifested during service or within one year of separation, and a continuity of symptoms after discharge from active service has not been established.,There is no competent evidence of a diagnosed left knee disability. The Veteran reported pain in the left knee but there are no records indicating any chronic condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA audiogram results and a new VA examination to assess the severity of his right hand scars.

The Board has reopened the previously denied claim of service connection for a respiratory condition, including lung disability and bronchial asthma. The Veteran's new evidence includes VA and private treatment records indicating current respiratory or lung disorders and his assertion that he was treated for pneumonia while in service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is attributable to service and granted service connection for this condition. The bilateral hearing loss disability claim was also granted, with the reasoning being that it is related to noise exposure during service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss. However, the Board finds that there is no evidence showing that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability was caused by his in-service noise exposure or manifested within one year of service separation.

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 and tinnitus. The Veteran's current diagnoses of bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service, including noise exposure therein.

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

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a new audiological examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a VA audiological examination and consideration of his additional claims concerning other ear conditions.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before a decision can be reached on the merits of the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and bilateral hearing loss, prevent him from engaging in substantially gainful employment for which his education and occupational experience would otherwise qualify him. The Board finds that a TDIU rating is warranted throughout the appeal period.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected bilateral hearing loss.

The evidence does not show a current diagnosis of bilateral hearing loss related to service, and the Board finds that the Veteran's claim for service connection is denied.

The Board has ordered a remand due to the need for an additional VA medical opinion regarding the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss. The case will be returned to the AOJ for further development and review.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues related to service connection for tinnitus and a proposed severance of service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's appeal is currently on hold until these matters are resolved.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is currently manifested by hearing acuity no worse than level II in the right ear and level II in the left ear, resulting in a noncompensable rating. The Board finds that the evidence does not warrant a compensable rating for his disability.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are at least as likely as not incurred in service due to credible reports of noise exposure during active duty.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not include loss or permanent use of one or both feet, hands, vision, a severe burn injury, or ALS. Therefore, he does not meet the criteria for automobile and adaptive equipment or adaptive equipment only.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was not received to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, resulting in a denial of the reopening request.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to service, as there is no evidence of a chronic condition during service or within one year thereafter. The left shoulder degenerative joint disease was found to be aggravated by his service-connected right shoulder disability.,Service connection for left shoulder degenerative joint disease has been granted on the basis that it was aggravated by his service-connected right shoulder disability.