Hearing loss decisions — 2018

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated at 20 percent, the maximum schedular rating available. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Board has determined that the reduction of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss rating from 40 percent to 30 percent, effective September 1, 2013, was proper based on the evidence showing improvement in his hearing.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining an addendum opinion regarding the impact of his service-connected tinnitus on employment activities and a VA examination to determine functional impairment due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's tinnitus is etiologically attributable to his active service. The Board finds that the evidence of record supports a grant of service connection for tinnitus.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and verifying herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's service connection claims for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss are granted. The Board finds that the Veteran had in-service noise exposure, which is presumed to have caused his current disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss does not warrant a compensable rating, and thus denied his claim for an initial, noncompensable disability rating.

The Veteran's current hearing loss and tinnitus are related to service, but his mumps residuals and pes planus do not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as whether these conditions are related to his service. The case will be remanded for an addendum opinion from the examiner who conducted the May 2014 VA audiological examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and development of records. The issues are whether he has service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability was not incurred in service and denied his claim.,The Board also found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, to include unspecified depressive disorder, was not incurred in or related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability of bilateral hearing loss for VA compensation purposes. The claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for an additional VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected bilateral hearing loss disability.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his request for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for bursitis of the right shoulder.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss has remained at level I hearing acuity throughout the appeal period, resulting in a noncompensable disability rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability of right ear hearing loss, left knee disability, or right knee disability for VA purposes. Therefore, service connection is denied.

The Veteran's current sleep apnea disability began during, or was otherwise caused by, his active duty service and the Board finds that he is entitled to service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable evaluation since May 13, 2008, for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss are granted as they are found to be related to his active service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease, PTSD, degenerative joint disease of the knees, and bilateral hearing loss, prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and industrial background. The Board grants a TDIU.