Hearing loss decisions — 2017

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is rated at 10 percent on an extraschedular basis, and the Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and a medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's radiculopathy of the upper radicular group of the left upper extremity has been granted a noncompensable rating effective August 26, 2010. The Veteran is not entitled to an increased rating for this condition.,The Veteran's radiculopathy of the superficial peroneal nerve of the left upper extremity was granted a noncompensable rating effective August 26, 2010.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for right ear hearing loss, left ear hearing loss, sleep apnea, and a lumbar spine disability. The decision also dismissed his request to reopen his claim for right ear hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is related to his period of active service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board found no evidence of a low back disorder in service and concluded that the Veteran's current low back condition is not related to his active duty service. For hearing loss, the VA examiner could not conduct the required puretone testing due to cerumen obstruction.

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

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining records of the Veteran's service with the Army National Guard and Reserves, as well as opinions regarding potential exposure to herbicides and whether his conditions are related to service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including obtaining medical examinations to address his exposure to tetrachloride and in-service noise exposure. The case will be remanded for these purposes.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not meet or approximate the criteria for a compensable disability rating during the appeal period.

The Board finds that the Veteran's left ear hearing loss was aggravated by service, while right ear hearing loss is not related to service. Service connection for aggravation of left ear hearing loss disability is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD, sleep apnea, and hypertension are all found to be service-connected. The Veteran is granted an initial non-compensable rating for his bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was granted by the AMC in an August 2016 rating decision, effective February 14, 2011. The appeal concerning bilateral hearing loss is addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied as there is no evidence of a current disability. The claims for service connection for sickle cell trait, liposarcoma, and residuals of heat exhaustion are pending and will require further examination to determine their etiology.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss and tinnitus have been granted service connection as they are related to in-service acoustic trauma. The right ear hearing loss claim is being remanded for further examination.

The Veteran seeks service connection for bilateral hearing loss, which he claims is related to his military service and/or secondary to his service-connected tinnitus. The Board finds that a remand is necessary due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the etiology of the hearing loss.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is etiologically related to his active military service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's heart disability is presumed due to his service in Vietnam and exposure to herbicides. His bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus do not meet the criteria for a current disability as defined by VA regulations.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA clinical records and audiometric testing results. The case will be returned to the Board if further action is required.

The Board has determined that service connection is warranted for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. Cold injury residuals of the right and left lower extremities are also found to be related to service.