Hearing loss decisions — 2017

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cause of death, which was cardiopulmonary arrest and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is not related to his military service or any service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and TDIU. The Board found that his hearing loss did not warrant a higher rating, as it did not meet the criteria for exceptional patterns of hearing loss. For TDIU, the evidence showed he had retired due to physical reasons related to his heart condition, and his service-connected conditions did not preclude him from securing and maintaining substantial gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is related to in-service noise exposure and granted service connection for this condition. The hearing loss disability remains on appeal as it does not have a clear onset during service.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss and tinnitus cause marked interference with his employment as a truck driver beyond that contemplated by the schedular rating criteria, warranting an extraschedular disability rating of 30 percent.,Resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran, the Board has granted a 30 percent extraschedular rating for right ear hearing loss and tinnitus since March 24, 2010.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been reopened and is granted.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral pes planus has also been reopened and is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a video conference hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are presumed to have been incurred as a result of active service, while his bilateral knee disability is not related to his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, gastrointestinal disorder, chronic fatigue syndrome, left knee disability (arthritis), bilateral athlete's foot, muscle pain, joint pain, sleep disorder (sleep apnea), and respiratory disorder (asthma). The appeal was dismissed due to withdrawal of these issues.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been denied. The appeals are addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to scheduling issues for a Travel Board hearing. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus remains on the merits.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for appropriate VA examinations to assess his right ear hearing loss, sleep disturbance, bilateral knee, left hip, and back disabilities.

The Board found clear and unmistakable evidence that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss existed prior to his entrance into active service, and was not aggravated by such service. Therefore, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have right ear hearing loss disability for VA purposes and therefore, service connection is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a video conference hearing before a Veterans Law Judge.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary in order to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The case is therefore REMANDED for further action.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The Board also finds that these conditions are related to his military service, warranting service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss and is now considering the issue of an initial compensable rating for left ear hearing loss.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's residuals of TBI, finding that it is at least as likely as not caused by a motor vehicle accident in service. The claim for bilateral hearing loss remains pending and will be remanded.

The appeal has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current tinnitus is related to his in-service noise exposure. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss was not addressed due to a lack of evidence.