Hearing loss decisions — 2017

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA audiological examination and treatment records. The issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance are being addressed.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated at 50 percent, the maximum schedular rating available. The Board finds no basis for a higher evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current hearing loss of the right ear is related to noise exposure during service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and bilateral pes planus were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not establish a current disability of bilateral hearing loss or bilateral pes planus, as defined by VA regulations.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied as his current level of disability does not warrant an increase in the assigned rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of bilateral hearing loss, finding that the earliest date of claim was April 5, 2013. The decision held that the correct facts were before the Board and no incorrect application of law occurred.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current bilateral hearing loss disability or tinnitus due to service, and therefore denied both claims.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and finds that new evidence received since the last final denial supports a finding of etiological relationship between his in-service noise exposure and current bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his active service, but have been granted as direct service connection based on credible lay testimony of in-service noise exposure.

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

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left ear hearing loss is not related to his service, and therefore denied service connection for this condition.

Service connection is denied for bilateral hearing loss.,Service connection is granted for degenerative joint disease of the bilateral knees.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a chronic back disability, to include scoliosis, was denied as there is no medical evidence showing that the condition was incurred or aggravated during active duty service. The Board found that the current diagnosed back disorder is not related to his military service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and onychomycosis of the hands and feet have been granted service connection, with a rating of 30% for onychomycosis effective May 17, 2011.

The Veteran's appeal of kidney cancer service connection was dismissed due to withdrawal. Bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were found to be incurred as a result of service.

The Board finds that there is a relative balance of evidence for and against causation of bilateral sensorineural hearing loss by National Guard noise exposure, warranting service connection.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left knee strain and hearing loss were denied as the evidence did not show that his conditions warranted a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is due to noise exposure during his military service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA audiological examination.