Hearing loss decisions — 2018

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability was rated at a 20% prior to September 25, 2014. From that date, the rating was increased to 30%. The decision is based on VA audiometric evaluations conducted in July 2013 and September 25, 2014.

The Board found no error in the June 2009 rating decision's calculation of the combined total rating of 60 percent and denied the Veteran's claim for a higher combined rating.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his withdrawal of the claim for asthma. The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding no current disability as defined by VA regulations. Service connection for a right finger disability and a bilateral foot disability were also denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an increased evaluation for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and service connection for PTSD. The Veteran was not granted any new evaluations or connections.

The Board found that the Veteran's back injury in service was acute and resolved, and there is no evidence of a chronic low back disability. The current low back disability is not related to his service or any events therein. For right ear hearing loss, the VA examiner opined it is at least as likely as not caused by noise exposure during service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection due to lack of evidence showing a link between his current conditions and service, as well as any service-connected disabilities.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. However, the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating for his bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's dysthymia with depression, bilateral hearing loss disability, and sleep apnea are all found to be related to his service-connected left shoulder condition. The Veteran is granted increased ratings for his distal clavicle resection of the left shoulder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, and asbestosis are related to service. The Veteran was exposed to noise in service which is considered a presumptive exposure for these conditions.

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

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and granted it, finding that there is a reasonable possibility of establishing the claim due to new evidence provided by the Veteran. The current disability is found to be related to in-service acoustic trauma.

The Veteran's tinnitus is caused by his service-connected bilateral hearing loss, and the Board finds that service connection for tinnitus as secondary to service-connected bilateral hearing loss is warranted.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development due to a need to consider new evidence and opinions regarding the etiology of the appellant's hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for right ear hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and clarification of his treatment records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hearing loss in her left ear is service-connected, but not for her right ear. The heart condition and hip condition are not found to be related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss did not manifest during service or within one year of separation, and there is no evidence to support a finding of aggravation. The VA examiner concluded that it is less likely than not that the current bilateral hearing loss is related to in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the nature and etiology of his hearing loss, acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD), and hypertension.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations and opinions are inadequate, and an adequate VA supplemental opinion is required to review and discuss the relevant evidence above to determine whether it is at least as likely as not (50 percent or greater probability) hearing loss and tinnitus originated during active service or were otherwise caused by or related to active service. Outstanding medical records should also be obtained.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and prostate cancer due to herbicide exposure, with the erectile dysfunction secondary to prostate cancer also being granted. The Veteran's current disabilities are considered presumptively related to his military service.

The Veteran's tinnitus is related to service, but he does not have current hearing loss for VA purposes. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder remains pending as the issue of PTSD has been addressed.