Hearing loss decisions — 2018

The Veteran's depressive disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus have been rated at 70%, 40%, and 10% respectively. The VA has restored the 70% rating for depressive disorder effective February 1, 2017, and granted a TDIU from September 17, 2010.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and PTSD. Bilateral hearing loss is considered direct service connection due to in-service noise exposure. Tinnitus was also found to be related to in-service noise exposure. For PTSD, the Veteran's current diagnosis of anxiety disorder is linked to his military experience.

The Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is related to his in-service noise exposure, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has found that the evidence is at least in relative equipoise as to whether the Veteran's tinnitus had its onset during active service. Service connection for tinnitus is granted. The issue of bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to inadequate VA examination and need for an addendum opinion.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable initial rating for bilateral hearing loss and an initial rating for tinnitus prior to July 20, 2017 was denied. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable, while his tinnitus is rated at 10% effective from July 20, 2017.

The Veteran's left ankle disorder, low back disorder, acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD), right knee disorder, skin cancer, upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, bilateral hearing loss, and gastritis are all granted service connection. The rating for the right ankle fracture residuals is 20%.

The Veteran was granted service connection for tinnitus, but denied service connection for right ear hearing loss and an initial compensable rating for left ear hearing loss.

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability and denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The decision is based on the Veteran's credible testimony regarding in-service noise exposure and persistent symptoms of back pain, but does not meet the criteria for VA compensation purposes due to his current level of hearing loss.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss has been reopened and granted. The appeal for service connection of the acoustic neuroma is remanded due to insufficient medical opinions.

The Veteran's kidney cancer is granted as service connected due to exposure at Camp Lejeune. Bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are remanded for further examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus as there is insufficient evidence to determine if service connection can be granted. The Veteran's claims will be returned to the RO for further review.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence for service connection of bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The Veteran's claim for earlier effective date for tinnitus is also remanded.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is service connected. The respiratory disorders claim, including COPD and Farmer's lung disease, are remanded for further review.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is found to be related to his service, specifically the loud noise exposure from working as a communications specialist. The Board granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, but denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's obstructive lung disease, including COPD and bronchitis, is not service-connected as it is neither proximately due to nor aggravated by his service-connected restrictive lung disease.,Prior to June 6, 2016, the Veteran’s bilateral hearing loss was rated at 20 percent. Beginning June 6, 2016, the rating for bilateral hearing loss has been increased to 30 percent.

The Veteran's sensorineural bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted as service connected, with the Board finding that they are at least as likely as not related to in-service noise exposure.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.

Your claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been granted, but the appeal is dismissed as moot since it was already decided.