Hearing loss decisions — 2018

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disorder and hearing loss, finding no evidence of in-service injury or disease that could be linked to these conditions. The claim for tinnitus was also denied as there is no higher rating available under VA regulations.

The Veteran's bilateral sensorineural hearing loss was not shown to be related to service, and the Board denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for compensable ratings for bilateral hearing loss and residuals of a left fifth metacarpal fracture are denied as his conditions do not warrant such ratings based on the current evidence.

The Board has determined that the appellant's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are service-connected, with all three elements of service connection met.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is found to be related to in-service noise exposure.,A generalized anxiety disorder was incurred during service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability has been manifested by no more than Level II hearing acuity in the right ear and Level I hearing acuity in the left ear throughout the period of appeal. The criteria for an initial compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss have not been met.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability is denied, but his claim for service connection for migraine headaches is granted. His hypertension rating remains unchanged.

The Board has determined that the evidence is in relative equipoise as to whether the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to service, specifically his exposure to loud noises during combat. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left ear hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his service, including combat exposure. Therefore, service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ear disability, other than hearing loss, did not manifest during service and is not otherwise related to service. Therefore, the claim for service connection for a right ear disability, other than hearing loss, is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including a mood disorder, right knee replacement, tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, and a right knee scar, prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated at a 30 percent disability rating from November 18, 2015 onwards. Prior to that date, the claim for an increased rating was denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's lung nodules disability was not incurred in or aggravated by service, and could not be presumed due to herbicide exposure. The bilateral hearing loss disability was also not shown to have been caused or aggravated by service, including noise exposure during service.

The Board found no evidence of hearing loss in service or within one year after separation, and the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is not related to his military noise exposure. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's pre-existing conditions did not worsen during service and were not related to military noise exposure.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to incomplete medical records and the need for further examination.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and private audiology records.

The Veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection as it is presumed to have started during active duty. The claims for bilateral hearing loss and hypertension are being remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are remanded for additional development, including scheduling VA audiological examinations to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and a left ear disability, to include a perforated/ruptured left eardrum, is granted. The VA will obtain the Veteran's private treatment records and conduct further examination.