Hearing loss decisions — 2018

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is related to in-service noise exposure and grants service connection for this condition. The claim for bilateral hearing loss remains pending as a new examination is needed.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings have been denied. His bilateral hearing loss and radiculopathy of the left upper extremity were rated appropriately based on their respective disability levels.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including asbestos-related lung disease and bilateral hearing loss, rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since February 17, 2004. The Board granted a TDIU on an extraschedular basis for this period.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left ear hearing loss is service-connected, as it was continuously present since service. However, there is insufficient evidence to establish a link between his right ear hearing loss and military service. The Veteran also does not have a currently diagnosed right ear hearing loss disability for VA purposes.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine is incurred in service, and his bilateral hearing loss disability does not meet the criteria for a compensable degree within one year post-service. The decision grants service connection for the back disability but denies service connection for the hearing loss.

The Veteran's right index finger disability is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, and the Board finds that an evaluation in excess of this rating is not warranted.,For the period prior to October 19, 2011, the Veteran was service-connected for PTSD (70%), residuals of a gunshot wound to the right index finger (10%), tinnitus (10%), and bilateral hearing loss (noncompensable). His combined evaluation did not meet the criteria for TDIU.

The Veteran's heart condition, diagnosed as coronary artery disease (CAD), is not service-connected.,Service connection for left ear hearing loss has been granted. The Veteran does not have right ear hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current bilateral hearing loss disability for VA purposes, and therefore, service connection cannot be granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and service connection for tinnitus, finding that the evidence did not support a grant of benefits.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment prior to January 7, 2011.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher disability rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied by the Board, as there is no evidence of more severe hearing impairment that would warrant an increased rating.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a VA examination to assess whether the Veteran's tinnitus is related to his service-connected hearing loss or otherwise related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling a VA audiological examination to determine the nature and etiology of his bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for his hearing loss is remanded due to the need for a new VA audiological examination.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is manifested in Level III hearing acuity for both ears, resulting in a noncompensable (0%) evaluation. The Veteran's PTSD with MDD and alcohol use disorder was evaluated at 70% disabling based on the most recent VA examination conducted in March 2014.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his in-service acoustic trauma, resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's initial service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been granted, but the RO is requesting additional evidence to determine if a higher disability rating is warranted based on his current level of hearing acuity.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to in-service noise exposure, resolving reasonable doubt in his favor. The claim for service connection for a right ankle disability is remanded as additional development is needed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is service-connected, as there is at least a 50% likelihood it was caused by his military service.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for left ear hearing loss has been withdrawn. The claim for hepatic steatosis was denied as the disease is not related to service.