Hearing loss decisions — 2017

The Board has remanded the issue of entitlement to a compensable rating for service-connected bilateral hearing loss on an extraschedular basis, including as to the collective impact of multiple service-connected disabilities. The case is being referred to the Director in Compensation Service for consideration.

The Veteran's service-connected right ear hearing loss disability is currently manifested by no more than Level II hearing acuity, resulting in a noncompensable rating. The Board finds that the preponderance of the evidence does not support a compensable schedular rating for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus is found to contribute to his bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The Board finds that the Veteran has a current diagnosis of bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus, which are causally linked to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities for the period from April 15, 2007, to March 30, 2010.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus. The case will be remanded for an addendum opinion regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether his hearing loss was incurred during active service. The appeal regarding hepatitis was withdrawn by the Veteran prior to a decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are at least as likely as not incurred during his active service. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and assigned initial non-compensable ratings to his right trapezius muscle strain, lateral femoral cutaneous nerve dysfunction of the right lower extremity, lateral femoral cutaneous nerve dysfunction of the left lower extremity, and eczema of the lateral calves and heels.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and PTSD. The remaining issues require additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling an appropriate VA examination.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal of the appeal.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus have been granted. The remaining issues of service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II; peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities; Meniere's disease; and obstructive sleep apnea are remanded.

The Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is found to be incurred as a result of in-service noise exposure, and service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are as likely as not the result of noise exposure during his military service, and therefore service connection is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional audiological testing and further development of his claim.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased evaluation for bilateral hearing loss has been dismissed due to his death during the pendency of the appeal.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent since August 26, 2013. The rating for right lower extremity sciatica remains at 10 percent.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is found to be related to his in-service noise exposure, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

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

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (PTSD, tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, and hemorrhoids) have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to August 25, 2008.