Hearing loss decisions — 2018

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50% effective March 2, 2011. The earlier effective date for tinnitus service connection is granted from March 2, 2011. No increased rating was granted for bilateral hearing loss prior to September 8, 2016.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been denied as there is no evidence of a current disability during service or within one year after separation, and the preponderance of the evidence does not support a nexus to military noise exposure.

The Board has found that the Veteran is unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities prior to November 26, 2014. For the period from November 26, 2014, the evidence is in equipoise as to whether he can obtain and maintain such employment.

The Board has determined that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service, thus granting service connection for both conditions.

The Veteran is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities, and the Board has granted a TDIU based on these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus and cervical spine disability are service-connected, but his bilateral hearing loss and left shoulder disability have not been established as service-connected.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and dismissed the appeals regarding bilateral hearing loss, ptosis, and right thumb arthralgia.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability was not incurred in or aggravated by service, and may not be presumed to have been so incurred or aggravated. Tinnitus was incurred in service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is not related to his military service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss, low back disorder, right knee disorder, left knee disorder, and right ankle disorder have been granted. The appeals are based on direct evidence of a link between the conditions and military service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss before the Board could make a decision.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of records.

The case is being remanded for a new examination to evaluate the current severity of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, as the previous evaluations are not adequate due to lack of use of the Maryland CNC Word Test.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and additional development of his claims file.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss was incurred during his period of active service and the Board finds that it is at least as likely as not related to his military service. As a result, the claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnosed low back, right knee, and bilateral hearing loss disabilities are related to his service due to combat exposure. The Board granted service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability related to his service, specifically left ear hearing loss and right ear hearing loss. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is not related to service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not warrant a compensable disability rating under VA regulations.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is found to be at least as likely as not due to in-service noise exposure, and service connection for this condition is granted.