Hearing loss decisions — 2017

The Veteran's increased rating claim for bilateral hearing loss prior to December 7, 2015, and in excess of 20 percent thereafter is denied as the evidence does not support an increase in disability rating.

The Board denied service connection for tinnitus and right ear hearing loss, finding that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a current disability as defined by VA regulations.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back strain and bilateral hearing loss, as new and material evidence has been received. The claim for service connection for low back strain remains pending on its merits, while the claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating prior to May 31, 2016, for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss was denied as there is no objective audiological evidence of record to support such a rating.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was evaluated as Level IV in the right ear and Level VII in the left ear, resulting in a 20% disability rating. The VA examiner found no evidence of an exceptional pattern of hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the case due to a failure to afford the appellant a hearing at a VA facility near his current residence. The Veteran's claims for service connection for Meniere's Disease and bilateral hearing loss are also pending.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for cold injury residuals affecting the bilateral feet, toes, and hearing loss in both ears. The decision also addressed a claim for TDIU but did not reach a final determination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his employment history and medical records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral leg disorder, right knee disorder, left knee disorder, and left ear hearing loss. The Veteran was granted a noncompensable rating for his service-connected renal cell carcinoma of the left kidney since February 1, 2010, which was subsequently increased to 40 percent effective October 18, 2012.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is currently rated at 40 percent prior to October 1, 2015 and 50 percent from October 1, 2015. The Board finds that a higher rating for the period prior to October 1, 2015 is not warranted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is etiologically related to his in-service noise exposure and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's initial claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was granted, but he is not entitled to a compensable rating prior to March 5, 2012.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability did not have onset in service and was not caused or permanently aggravated by his active military service.

The Veteran's tinnitus had its onset in service and the Board finds that service connection is warranted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination. The examiner should determine if his current hearing loss is related to his military service.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain additional medical opinions and to attempt to obtain relevant treatment records. The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are being returned to the AOJ for further development.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a back disorder and an initial rating for bilateral hearing loss has been denied. The Veteran is not entitled to a compensable rating prior to August 29, 2012, or in excess of 10 percent thereafter.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete medical opinions and need for further examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to scheduling issues and will schedule a videoconference hearing at El Paso, Texas. The Veteran's claim for service connection remains pending.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated as noncompensable, and his acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depression) has been granted service connection.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder including PTSD and depression was established.