Hearing loss decisions — 2018

The Veteran's application for a TDIU was received on May 19, 2011. The Board found that there is no evidence of an earlier unresolved increased rating claim and no factually ascertainable evidence demonstrating the Veteran was unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation as a result of service-connected disabilities within one year prior to May 19, 2011.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, specifically whether it is related to in-service noise exposure or his service-connected traumatic brain injury.

The Board has granted service connection for a bilateral hearing loss disability, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to in-service noise exposure.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current disability is related to in-service acoustic trauma and continuous post-service symptoms.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of traumatic brain injury. The issues of service connection for neck disability, right ankle disability, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and sleep apnea are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus as there was no evidence of these conditions during or within one year after active service, and the preponderance of the evidence did not establish a causal relationship to service.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his military service. The decision is based on a combination of factors including noise exposure during active duty.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including back disability, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus, prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment. The Board granted the TDIU claim due to the combined effects of his disabilities.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased rating for service-connected bilateral hearing loss was denied as his hearing loss did not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating of his hearing loss disability is denied. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a compensable rating due to the current noncompensable evaluation based on the audiometric results and speech recognition scores provided.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination results and requests for new evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus has been reopened due to new and material evidence. The rating for bilateral hearing loss from February 10, 2014 is also remanded.

The Veteran's hearing loss in the left ear is denied as there is no current disability of hearing loss according to VA standards.,The Veteran's rescinding (receding) gum with skin graft claim is denied as there is no compensable dental condition that can be linked to service.

The Veteran's petition to reopen claims for service connection for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss was granted. The Board found that the evidence is sufficient to establish a current disability, continuity of symptomatology since service, and an in-service injury or event (noise exposure). Service connection for tinnitus was granted, but service connection for bilateral hearing loss was remanded due to insufficient medical opinion regarding its onset.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and granted service connection for tinnitus. The remaining issues of service connection for hypertension and diabetes mellitus, type II are being remanded.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is not warranted as the Veteran does not have a current disability that meets VA's definition of hearing loss.

The claim for service connection for right ear hearing loss has been reopened and granted. The claims for left ear hearing loss and tinnitus are being remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is at least as likely as not related to his military noise exposure during service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and psoriasis were not found to be related to his military service.,His tinnitus was already at the maximum schedular rating, so no extraschedular consideration is warranted.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his in-service noise exposure. The decision is based on credible lay evidence of ongoing symptoms since service.

The Veteran's initial claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied as the audiometric test results did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.