Hearing loss decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claims for service connection for prostate cancer and an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, were denied as there is no evidence of in-service exposure to herbicide agents. The claim for bilateral hearing loss was not granted as the disability did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's service connection claim for low back disability is granted as his current low back disability is a chronic disability and he has experienced continuity of symptomatology since the injury during service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA examinations and clarifying the nature of the Appellant's National Guard service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations and to obtain updated treatment records. The issues are related to the evaluations of his service-connected left ear hearing loss, left knee patellofemoral syndrome with patellar tendinitis, and right knee patellofemoral syndrome with patellar tendinitis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his service, with all doubts resolved in favor of the Veteran. Therefore, service connection is granted for both conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of outstanding VA treatment records.

The Board has determined that the reduction in the evaluation for bilateral hearing loss from a 10 percent rating to a noncompensable rating, effective January 1, 2013, was proper.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for additional VA medical records and an examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining records from his former employer and providing a VA examination.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left ear hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there is no evidence of a nexus between current conditions and in-service noise exposure.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, headaches, bilateral hearing loss, and sleep apnea. The claims are granted as they meet the criteria for direct service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is attributable to noise exposure during his military service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, and Meniere's disease are being remanded due to the need for additional development including scheduling a VA examination while incarcerated.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and bladder cancer due to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune during the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss has been denied as his audiometric test results do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under VA's rating schedule.

The Board has determined that the appellant's bilateral hearing loss and left hip disability are not related to his service, specifically ACDUTRA or INACDUTRA. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD was denied as there is no evidence of an in-service disease or injury. The Board found that the Veteran meets the percentage rating standards for TDIU due to his combined disability ratings and single disability ratings, which are at least 70 percent. The Veteran's claim for SMC based on need for regular A&A or by reason of being housebound was denied as there is no evidence of permanent bedridden status or inability to leave the house. His claim for SMP based on need for regular A&A or by reason of being housebound was also denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus are related to his military service, including exposure to loud noises during his time as an infantryman. The claims for these conditions have been granted.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as his bilateral hearing loss does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, diabetes mellitus, type II, and heart disorder are not related to his active service. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by service.