Hearing loss decisions — 2018

Service connection is granted for tinnitus. The claim for a compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss is remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus, do not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation. The Board finds that the evidence does not support an award of a TDIU.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for left hip disability, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus due to the need for additional medical examinations and records.

The Board has denied a compensable rating for the Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss. The issues of service connection for blood in urine and right foot condition are remanded.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated as noncompensable due to auditory acuity levels of level II in the right ear and level I in the left ear, which do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and respiratory disability due to insufficient detail in the October 2013 VA examination reports. The Veteran will need additional VA audiological and respiratory examinations, as well as a review of his service records and treatment history.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that his left ear sensorineural hearing loss had its onset during active duty and that his right ear hearing loss was aggravated by his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate examinations and missing records. The claims will be reviewed again with additional evidence and examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and remanded the issue of increased rating for residuals of a left wrist fracture.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus as there was no evidence of in-service injury or disease, and the current disabilities are more likely due to normal aging process and post-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for right ear hearing loss has been reopened, but a compensable rating is denied.,Service connection for the left ear hearing loss and bilateral perforations of tympanic membranes remains denied.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not service-connected due to lack of evidence showing in-service injury or disease. The Veteran's heart condition is remanded for further evaluation.,Service connection for coronary artery disease is also remanded as the Veteran claims it was caused by Agent Orange exposure.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise regarding whether these conditions are related to military noise exposure. The Veteran's statements and testimony have been found credible.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus due to noise exposure during active service. However, the issue of service connection for bilateral hearing loss is remanded as the VA examiner's opinion was inadequate.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for tinnitus has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal prior to the Board making a decision.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee disability, bilateral hearing loss disability, and tinnitus have been remanded due to the need for additional development. The case will be reconsidered after obtaining updated medical records and scheduling an examination.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current hearing loss is related to his in-service combat-related noise exposure. Service connection was also granted for left ear hearing loss.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is rated at 70 percent since March 13, 2018. He is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability for this period.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and no effective date claims are pending.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated at a 40 percent disability rating effective March 20, 2018. Prior to that date, the Veteran did not meet criteria for any higher ratings.