Hearing loss decisions — 2017

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for corneal scar of the right eye was denied as his visual acuity did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation. The claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability was also denied, as there is no evidence of a current hearing loss disability meeting VA criteria.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his in-service noise exposure, and thus service connection is granted.

The Veteran's tinnitus is service connected, but his bilateral hearing loss and ankle disorders are not.,Service connection was denied for the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and ankle disorders due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board is remanding the case to obtain the Veteran's Army service treatment records and any other relevant evidence that may be obtained. The claim will then be reconsidered based on all available information.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is rated at 40% prior to July 15, 2014 and at 100% from that date. Effective July 15, 2014, the Veteran also qualifies for special monthly compensation based on deafness in both ears.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the inadequacy of a previous VA examination, which did not adequately address his service-connected disabilities and their impact on his need for aid and attendance. The case will be returned for further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to outstanding medical records from the Naval Hospital Occupational Medicine Clinic at Jacksonville Naval Air Station.

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. After considering all of the evidence, including a private medical opinion linking the current hearing loss to in-service noise exposure, the Board finds that service connection is warranted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss is related to noise exposure during his military service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of the current 20 percent disability rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is not related to service, as there was no evidence of a current disability during or within one year after separation from service. The preponderance of the evidence does not support a finding that his hearing loss began in service.

The Board has determined that there is no credible evidence to support the Veteran's claims for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, and left ear hearing loss. The Veteran did not engage in combat with an enemy or have a verified stressor related to his claimed conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a current diagnosis of bilateral hearing loss as defined by VA regulations, and therefore cannot establish service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's hearing loss prior to March 14, 2013 was rated as noncompensable due to the severity of his bilateral hearing impairment not meeting the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not warrant a TDIU as they are rated at 100% for depressive disorder and PTSD, with no other disability rated at or above 40%. The Veteran is currently employed and the evidence does not support an unemployability based solely on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear hearing loss effective from July 14, 2014. The issue of entitlement to an earlier effective date is being remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for left ear hearing loss and tinnitus due to additional development being necessary.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current disabilities of concussion with memory loss and a traumatic brain injury, right ear hearing loss, or left ear hearing loss. The evidence shows no residuals from the motor vehicle accident in service, and there is insufficient medical opinion to establish a link between any current hearing loss and military service.

The evidence does not show that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities alone rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation from June 25, 2010 to December 8, 2013.