Hearing loss decisions — 2017

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied by the Board, as there is no evidence of more than noncompensable disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are etiologically related to noise exposure in service, granting service connection for both conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, have not been shown to be of such severity as to preclude his participation in any substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss was found to be incurred in service, with the Board finding that it is at least as likely as not related to his military noise exposure. The Veteran's right hip and leg condition were also found to be related to service, though the exact nature of this relationship remains unclear.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for bilateral hearing loss prior to October 31, 2003 was granted with an initial 70 percent rating effective May 13, 2003.,From July 3, 2003 to October 30, 2003, the Veteran's claim for a higher rating for bilateral hearing loss was granted with an 80 percent rating.

The Veteran's hypertension has not been shown to meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.,The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Veteran's psychiatric condition has been rated at 70 percent, and he is granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's pre-existing left ear hearing loss worsened during his active duty service, and thus service connection is granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to inpatient treatment and undeliverable mail. The appeal is now pending again.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain an addendum opinion from an appropriate medical professional regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran is advised that he may be called in for examination if deemed necessary.

The Veteran's service-connected vertigo associated with hearing loss is manifested by occasional dizziness and occasional staggering, which meets the criteria for a 30 percent disability rating under DC 6204.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss was rated at 10 percent from December 21, 2009 to February 24, 2014 and at a rating in excess of 50 percent thereafter. The Board found that the current ratings were correct.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was rated at 20 percent from December 7, 2009 to April 1, 2010 and at 10 percent from April 1, 2010 to August 7, 2014. Effective August 7, 2014, the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was rated at 40 percent.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss, tinea pedis (foot fungus), cervical degenerative disc disease, a back condition, and hand fungus have all been denied. The Veteran does not meet the threshold criteria for a current disability in any of these conditions as per VA regulations.

The Board has granted service connection for allergic rhinitis and bilateral hearing loss, and has denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for hypertension.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's erectile dysfunction and bilateral hearing loss disability are not related to service. The claim for erectile dysfunction is dismissed, while the claim for bilateral hearing loss disability is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right foot hallux rigidus is etiologically related to an in-service injury, and service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing a VA opinion regarding whether the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is related to his active service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, varicose veins of the right lower extremity, and pansinusitis. The Veteran was not granted any benefits.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations to determine the nature of his bilateral leg condition and left ear hearing loss.