Hearing loss decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for bilateral hearing loss from August 9, 2017 has been denied as his puretone threshold averages do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's service-connected paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia and otitis media with left ear hearing loss are currently rated at 10 percent, which is the maximum rating available under applicable diagnostic codes. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted for either condition.

The Board found no evidence of a service connection for bilateral hearing loss and denied the claim.

The Veteran's currently diagnosed bilateral hearing loss is due to his service-connected post-concussive headaches associated with TBI, and the Board finds that this meets the criteria for secondary service connection.

The Board has determined that service connection is granted for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, but the claim for TBI residuals remains pending as there was insufficient evidence to establish a direct relationship with service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to noise exposure during periods of INACDUTRA, while the hip disorder and skin disorder may be linked to service or an injury incurred during a period of active duty for training (ACDUTRA) or inactive duty for training (INACDUTRA).

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is related to his military service, resolving reasonable doubt in his favor.

The Board has decided some of the Veteran's claims, including those for service connection and rating issues. The appeals seeking service connection for a left knee disability and bilateral ankle disabilities, as well as for a rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus, have been withdrawn by the Veteran. The claims to reopen service connection for bilateral hearing loss and low back disability are granted.

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

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are causally related to his military service, with noise exposure during active duty as an Aviation Ordnanceman. As such, these conditions have been granted service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as his claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder. The decision also noted that the Veteran had not been afforded a VA examination to determine the etiology of his acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is granted, with the Board finding that the evidence is at least in relative equipoise as to whether his tinnitus had its onset during active service. The issue of service connection for bilateral hearing loss remains pending and will be remanded for further development.

The Board found no evidence of a nexus between the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus and his military service, including noise exposure. The claims for service connection were denied.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and is reopening the claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's tinnitus was found to have had its clinical onset during active service or is related to his conceded in-service noise exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD claim is granted, and his bilateral hearing loss rating is restored to 10% effective November 4, 2015.

The Board found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, but did not address whether the Veteran's current hearing loss is related to in-service noise exposure. The decision was mixed as it denied reopening of the claim but did not definitively state a denial of service connection.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for all disabilities, finding that no claim was made prior to November 18, 2010.

The Board is remanding the case for further development and readjudication, including consideration of new evidence and a supplemental statement of the case.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was granted effective May 15, 2014. The appeal is based on a direct service connection.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and left ankle disability have been granted service connection, with the left ankle disability receiving a 20% rating prior to May 19, 2017 and an increased rating of 20% thereafter.