Hearing loss decisions — 2017

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inadequate medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's preexisting hearing loss was aggravated during service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current hearing loss disability in her left ear for VA compensation purposes, and therefore service connection is denied.

The Veteran's service connection for coronary artery disease was granted, and a rating of 30 percent was assigned effective from November 22, 2010. The appeal is also granted for the earlier effective date for left ear hearing loss.

The Board found no current diagnosis of a bilateral hearing loss disability for VA purposes and denied the Veteran's claim for service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back disability, COPD, exudative pharyngitis, and bilateral hearing loss disability. The decision also addressed his PTSD claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to scheduling issues and will schedule a Travel Board hearing before the RO.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is related to his service, specifically his exposure to noise during his time as an aircraft mechanic in the Air National Guard. As a result, the claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is granted.

The Veteran's tinnitus was incurred in service and is granted. The remaining issues on appeal are remanded for additional development.

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

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under VA disability evaluation guidelines. The Veteran is therefore denied an initial compensable rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain VA treatment records and conduct a VA examination. The issues of entitlement to TDIU are also inextricably intertwined with the remaining issues on appeal.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing VCAA notice to the Veteran.

The Board has determined that further development is needed for the issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, low back disorder and a higher rating for right thumb injury residuals. The Veteran will be scheduled for VA examinations to address these issues.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that his preexisting hearing loss did not worsen during service and there is no evidence of noise exposure in service. The Board also found insufficient medical evidence to establish a link between his current tinnitus and service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder impingement with acromioclavicular degenerative joint disease, low back strain, bilateral hearing loss, hypertension, and scars post-bilateral inguinal repair surgery are all adequately contemplated by the schedular rating criteria.,As such, referral for extraschedular consideration is not warranted.

The Veteran is granted service connection for tinnitus, as it is likely related to his military service. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied due to the lack of a disability level recognized by VA standards.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has been rated as noncompensable since May 29, 2009. The Board found that the evidence did not support a compensable rating for his hearing loss.

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

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current diagnoses of hearing loss or tinnitus, and therefore, his claims for service connection are denied.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current condition began during active duty. Service connection was denied for bilateral hearing loss due to lack of a current disability.