Hearing loss decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claims for reopening service connection for fibromyositis, lumbosacral spine with spasm (back condition), left ankle condition, hypertension, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, chronic rhinitis, esophagitis, and gastritis have been dismissed due to lack of new and material evidence. The issues of service connection for these conditions are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was reopened due to new and material evidence. The Board found that the Veteran experienced hearing loss within the presumptive period and granted service connection.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and earlier effective dates for service connection of bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been denied. The Board found that the criteria for a higher rating were not met, and that the claims for earlier effective dates are also denied.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to in-service noise exposure. A VA examination is required to determine if these conditions are related to active duty service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is not related to his service, as he did not have a hearing loss disability at separation and there is no evidence of in-service noise exposure. The Board finds the weight of probative evidence against a finding that the current hearing loss is related to service.,The Veteran's COPD with emphysema is not related to his service or Agent Orange exposure, as he did not have any respiratory condition other than COPD at separation and there is no evidence of in-service exposure to herbicide agents. The Board finds the weight of probative evidence against a finding that the current COPD is related to service.

The Veteran's service connection claim for bilateral hearing loss is granted as the evidence shows a current disability and links it to in-service noise exposure.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, but granted service connection for tinnitus. The decision found that the Veteran's current tinnitus is related to his in-service noise exposure.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability and a left ear hearing loss disability, but has remanded all other issues due to outstanding VA treatment records and need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss was not present in service or within one year after discharge, and there is no evidence linking it to his military noise exposure. The Board found that the Veteran did not have a hearing disability for VA purposes at separation from service.

The Board has determined that a new medical opinion is necessary to determine the relationship between the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and his service or noise exposure therein, as well as whether it was caused or aggravated by his service-connected tinnitus.

The Veteran is granted a 100 percent disability rating for PTSD prior to January 10, 2014. The claim for higher ratings for residuals of traumatic injury to the right 5th finger and bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations for the Veteran's bilateral foot disability, bilateral hearing loss, bilateral tinnitus, and skin disability are inadequate due to incomplete records. The Veteran is being asked to provide contact information for Chrysler where his medical records can be obtained. Additionally, an addendum opinion is needed regarding whether these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for financial assistance in the purchase of an automobile or other conveyance and/or necessary adaptive equipment due to lack of loss or permanent loss of use of one or both feet, hands, or hips.

The Board has remanded several service connection claims for further development due to missing records and the need for clarification of diagnoses.

The Board has granted service connection for hearing loss but has remanded the issue of service connection for a left leg disability due to lack of evidence.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and sleep apnea were not found to be related to service.,Service connection for a right ankle disability was denied, as there is no evidence of an in-service injury or current disability. The Veteran's left ankle disability was also denied as secondary to the right ankle disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's right ear hearing loss.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and anxiety disorder. The Veteran's eczema was also not granted an initial compensable evaluation.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss claim is remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board has decided to remand the cases of service connection for right ear hearing loss and tinnitus due to potential issues with the medical opinions provided. The Veteran's exposure to noise during service is conceded, but there are questions about whether his current conditions are related to that exposure.