Hearing loss decisions — 2017

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and consideration of all evidence.

The Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and a rating in excess of 70 percent for mood disorder have been denied. The evidence does not support the assignment of higher ratings based on the current symptoms and diagnostic criteria.

The Board found that the reduction of the rating for bilateral hearing loss from 10 to 0 percent effective April 1, 2011 was proper and denied restoration of a 10 percent rating.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before a decision can be made regarding the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The case will be returned to the Board after further action.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current hearing loss disability or tinnitus related to service, and thus the claims for service connection are denied.

The Board has denied the claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU).

The Board has ordered additional VA examinations to address the nature and etiology of hearing loss, tinnitus, sleep apnea, and DDD of the lumbar spine. The appeal is currently in remand status due to incomplete notification for the previously scheduled VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the case due to non-compliance with previous directives and a need for further VA examination. The Veteran's appeal is now pending again.

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

The Veteran's claim for increased rating of his left ear hearing loss is granted, and he is assigned a 10 percent disability rating. His right testicle atrophy with history of epididymitis also results in a compensable rating. The Veteran is awarded SMC in excess of the (k) rate due to both the loss of use of a creative organ (right testicle) and deafness in his left ear.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations and the obtaining of updated treatment records.

The Board denied service connection for hearing loss and denied an increased rating for lumbar spondylosis. The Veteran's hearing loss did not meet the criteria to qualify as a disability under VA regulations, while his lumbar spondylosis was evaluated based on its current manifestations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is etiologically related to his military service, and thus grants the claim for service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and right hand strain with mild degenerative joint disease, finding no evidence of a current disability or causal link to service. The claim for lumbar spine strain was denied as new and material evidence had not been submitted.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus but is remanding the issue of service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to conflicting evidence and need for additional development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to insufficient evidence and needs further examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss is related to his in-service acoustic trauma and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his service, including exposure to loud noise during combat. Therefore, both conditions have been granted service connection.

The Board has remanded the appeal for additional development due to missing service treatment records from October 2001 to July 2002. The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and cervical spine disability will be reconsidered after obtaining relevant records.