Hearing loss decisions — 2017

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a compensable rating prior to May 8, 2014 and an increased rating greater than 10 percent from May 8, 2014.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is not related to his active military service, and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are being remanded due to incomplete medical records, particularly those from 2009-2011. A VA examination is needed to determine the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA medical records and developing a claim for TDIU. The Veteran's hearing loss claim remains pending.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a kidney condition due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, tendonitis of the right thumb, and increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus were denied. The Veteran's claim for TDIU was not addressed in this decision.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The Veteran's eye disorder and hernia disorder are being remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to his failure to report for a scheduled hearing and the Board considering it dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a new VA examination to assess the severity of his bilateral hearing loss and additional information regarding his employment status. The TDIU component of the claim must also be developed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus did not manifest during military service, are not related to service, and have no connection with his military service. As such, the claims for service connection for these conditions are denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left ear hearing loss is related to acoustic trauma during his active service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to address the etiology of these conditions.

The Board found that the procedural requirements for reducing the Veteran's hearing loss disability rating were met, and denied restoration of a 100% evaluation as there was no evidence of improvement in his condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to service, with a finding of direct service connection.

The Board has found that the Veteran's tinnitus had its onset during his service and granted service connection for this condition. The claim for bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to incomplete development.

The Board found that the Veteran's current diagnosed bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his period of service, as there was no indication of damage to his peripheral auditory system at discharge. The VA examinations did not establish a link between the Veteran's symptoms and military noise exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is the result of noise exposure during active military service and grants the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for residuals of a right little finger fracture and bilateral hearing loss disability was denied. The Board found that the current ratings were adequate as they considered the severity and symptomatology of the disabilities.

The Board found the evidence in equipoise, finding that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is at least as likely as not caused by or the result of hazardous noise exposure during military service. As a result, the claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability is granted.

The Board has determined that the Appellant's claim for status as a Veteran for VA purposes, specifically regarding bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, needs further development. The case is being remanded to obtain additional information from the Appellant's service personnel records and relevant medical records. A VA addendum opinion will also be obtained to determine whether the Appellant's current hearing loss and tinnitus were incurred in the line of duty during active duty for training or inactive duty for training.