Hearing loss decisions — 2018

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and hypertension are related to his service, granting service connection for both conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran's right ear condition did not meet criteria for a compensable rating prior to August 11, 2017 and denied entitlement to an increased rating thereafter.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a legally cognizable hearing loss disability and therefore, service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was evaluated as noncompensable prior to April 20, 2017. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher evaluation for this period.

The Board has granted a higher initial rating of 20 percent for the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, effective from October 8, 2013.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus did not manifest during service or within one year of separation, and are not otherwise related to service. The Veteran's current hearing loss is considered to be due to post-service noise exposure, aging, and a medical condition. His tinnitus was also attributed to post-service noise exposure.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea, but dismissed the appeal regarding right ear hearing loss as the Veteran withdrew his appeal on October 16, 2017.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence being added to the claims file, and the Veteran requested AOJ consideration of this new evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic back pathology and bilateral hearing loss, but denied service connection for basil cell carcinoma. The Veteran's claims are remanded to obtain additional development.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted an increased rating to 50 percent effective September 17, 2012. His bilateral hearing loss disability remains pending as the claim has been reopened but not yet decided.

The Veteran's claims for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss prior to March 10, 2014 and an increased rating for chronic otitis media, left ear are denied. The Board finds that the evidence does not support granting higher ratings under applicable VA regulations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is related to his service, specifically his exposure to noise from military flight line jets. The right knee disability claim requires additional development as a VA examination is needed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current tension headaches are likely to have had their onset in service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and has determined that his current diagnosis of bilateral sensorineural hearing loss is etiologically related to his in-service noise exposure. As a result, the claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is granted.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. After considering all evidence, including VA and private medical opinions, the Board finds that both conditions are at least as likely as not related to service.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, headaches, and foot fungus. These conditions are all considered to be directly related to the Veteran's active duty service.,There is no evidence of a presumptive basis for any of these conditions.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss and tinnitus, as new and material evidence has been received.,Service connection is granted for right ear hearing loss and right ear tinnitus.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and for further examinations. The issues of service connection for PTSD, right knee disability, bilateral hearing loss, a scar residual of an erroneous vaccination, and residuals of a concussion are on appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ear sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his in-service acoustic trauma, and thus service connection is granted.

The Veteran's representative has withdrawn the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.