Hearing loss decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for a clarifying examination and medical opinion.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal for all issues before the Board.

The Veteran's initial claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss prior to October 4, 2017, and in excess of 40 percent thereafter was granted. The effective date is not specified.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was evaluated as noncompensable (zero percent) throughout the appeal period based on audiometric test results. The Board found that these results did not warrant an increased rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's conditions, including diabetes mellitus, bilateral lower and upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, bilateral hearing loss, and left knee disability are service connected. The Veteran is also granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss and tinnitus are related to noise exposure during his military service, thus granting service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is etiologically related to his active service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus had their onset in service, meeting the criteria for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is related to his active service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnoses of bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his in-service acoustic trauma during combat service in Vietnam, thus granting service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's bilateral sensorineural hearing loss has been evaluated as noncompensable throughout the appeal period, with puretone thresholds of up to 28 dB in the left ear and 26 dB in the right ear. Speech recognition ability remains at or above 96 percent in both ears.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of ischemic heart disease, and his kidney disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus are not related to service. The appeal is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are etiologically related to his exposure to excessive levels of noise during his active military service, and thus service connection is granted for both conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and a back disability are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations.

The Board has found that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for right ear hearing loss disability. The case is REMANDED for further development, including a VA audiological evaluation.

The Board found that the reduction in the disability rating from 80% to 30% for bilateral hearing loss was proper, effective May 1, 2015. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability has improved over time and is now rated at 30%. The Veteran does not meet criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were denied as there was no evidence of in-service noise exposure, continuous symptoms since service separation, or a relationship between current conditions and service.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for the grant of service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus were denied as they were received more than one year after his separation from active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not linked to disease or injury incurred in active service, and therefore denied both claims.

The Veteran's hearing impairment is no worse than Level XI in the right ear and Level III in the left ear, resulting in a 20 percent rating. The criteria for a higher rating have not been met.