Hearing loss decisions — 2018

The Board denied an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's service-connected hearing loss did not warrant a compensable rating prior to October 31, 2016 or in excess of 10 percent thereafter.

The Veteran's skin cancer is related to sun exposure during service, but his hearing loss does not meet the criteria for a current disability as defined by VA regulations. The Board finds that service connection cannot be granted for either condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and conducting medical opinions to address the relationship between his current disabilities and service or herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's right lower radiculopathy was reduced from 10 percent to noncompensable effective February 11, 2009. The Board restored the original rating of 10 percent.,The Veteran is not entitled to a TDIU rating as his service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The issue of TDIU is remanded as it depends on the outcome of these newly granted claims.

The Veteran's hearing loss disability is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete records and need for a medical opinion regarding the Veteran's hearing loss.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current tinnitus is related to his military service. The issue of service connection for bilateral hearing loss remains pending and will be remanded for additional development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's TBI is related to his in-service parachute accident, and service connection for this condition is granted. Other issues on appeal are remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to insufficient evidence and unclear diagnoses. The Veteran's service connection claims are pending.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral hearing loss disability is being remanded due to the failure of the Veteran to report for a VA examination scheduled in December 2010. The examiner will determine if he currently has a hearing loss disability, bilaterally or otherwise.

The Board has found that more development is necessary and the case is REMANDED for issuance of a statement of the case on the issue of service connection for a breathing disability. The remaining issues are to be reviewed with consideration of all applicable laws and regulations, including any additional VA treatment records added since the last September 2011 statements of the case.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need to obtain federal employee examination records and for a medical opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus.

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

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a back disability. The evidence did not support a finding of in-service onset or continuity of symptomatology.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss are related to his service, with noise exposure being a significant factor. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right ankle ganglion cyst, right ear hearing loss, tinnitus, bilateral pes planus, and headaches have been granted. The Veteran is also assigned a 10% disability rating for his headaches.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus but denied hearing loss. The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be related to his in-service noise exposure, while his hearing loss does not meet the criteria for VA purposes.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, a left hamstring injury, and an emotional distress and depression (psychiatric disorder). The claim for service connection for osteoarthritis of the left knee was reopened but not granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, low back disability, and psychiatric disability have been denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities or a causal relationship to service.