Hearing loss decisions — 2017

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found no evidence of a nexus between the claimed conditions and service, except for hypertension secondary to diabetes mellitus.

The Board denied a compensable rating for left ear hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's hearing acuity did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation at any time during the appeal period.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability warrants a rating of 10 percent prior to June 22, 2017 and in excess of 30 percent thereafter. The current effective date is not specified.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD at least as likely as not renders him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, and the Board finds that he meets the schedular requirements for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board finds that the Veteran's left ear hearing loss is caused by his active duty service, and reasonable doubt must be resolved in favor of the Veteran. Therefore, service connection for left ear hearing loss is granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's left ear hearing loss, which was observed upon entry into service, did not worsen during his active duty and thus denied service connection.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal regarding the issue of service connection for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling an updated VA audiological examination.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is rated as non-compensable, and the Board finds that a compensable rating is not warranted.

The Board has granted service connection for hearing loss, plantar fasciitis, and coronary artery disease status post angioplasty with stent. Service connection was not established for a back disability or for the heart disability.

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

The Board has determined that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's tinnitus is related to his service. Therefore, service connection for tinnitus is granted.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, a skin disorder (claimed as jungle rot), sexual dysfunction, and tooth loss. The evidence did not support a finding of in-service injury or disease that led to these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining an addendum medical opinion to address the Veteran's accounts of noise exposure and the significance of private audiograms from before service.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss, tinnitus, and low back disorder are all found to be related to his military service. The Veteran is granted service connection for these conditions. However, the Veteran's cervical spine disability does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating prior to September 1, 2015.

The Board finds that the Veteran's pre-existing bilateral hearing loss did not worsen during service and thus, does not meet the criteria for service connection based on aggravation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current bilateral eye disability (temporary blindness) related to service, and his other claimed disabilities are either not supported by evidence of record or do not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to his request for withdrawal of all claims.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss disability, sleep apnea, neck condition and gastrointestinal condition are all service-connected. The Board has also granted service connection for sinusitis and low back condition. However, the Veteran's bilateral shoulder, elbow, wrist and knee conditions have not been established as service-connected.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as there is no evidence of in-service noise exposure or a current disability, and the preponderance of the evidence does not support a finding of service connection.