Hearing loss decisions — 2019

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's conditions are related to his in-service noise exposure.

The Board has granted earlier effective dates for the awards of service connection for left hip disability, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus based on evidence showing these conditions were first manifested prior to the date of the Veteran's claims.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are denied due to failure to attend a VA examination.,The Veteran's claim for a disability rating exceeding 60 percent for prostate cancer and residuals thereof is denied as the predominant residuals do not meet the criteria for such a higher rating.,The Veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating for erectile dysfunction is denied as he does not suffer from a penile deformity.,The Veteran's claim for a disability rating exceeding 30 percent for disfigurement of the left side of his nose is remanded due to insufficient evidence showing two or more characteristics of disfigurement.

The Veteran's onychomycosis, claimed as a fungus condition of the bilateral feet, is granted. The other issues are remanded for further development.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there is at least as much evidence to support these conditions being related to his in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial evaluation in excess of 50 percent prior to August 7, 2017, and in excess of 70 percent thereafter, for PTSD is dismissed. The Veteran's appeal for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss disability is remanded for a new examination to assess the current severity of his condition.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss was granted service connection. Service connection for sinusitis and hypertension is denied.,Service connection for a rating in excess of 10 percent for the service-connected right tibia fracture is remanded, as well as the TDIU claim prior to April 9, 2012.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete STRs and missing private treatment records. The AOJ is instructed to obtain all relevant military and private medical records.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been denied as there is no current disability or evidence of a disease within one year post-service.,Service connection for a back disorder and PTSD are remanded due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Board denied the petition to reopen a previously denied claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that new and material evidence had not been received.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration. The Veteran is found to have tinnitus that is at least as likely as not related to service, but hearing loss remains unclear.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is rated at zero percent, as the audiometric test results do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board denied service connection for low back condition, hypertension, and bilateral hearing loss. The right knee strain and sleep apnea issues were remanded.,Service connection was granted for hypertension.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated as noncompensable, with the worst level being Level I in both ears. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a compensable rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left ear hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as an increased rating for his keloid scar. The decision found that severance of service connection for left ear hearing loss was proper due to clear and unmistakable error (CUE), and denied service connection for tinnitus based on lack of evidence linking it to service. The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his keloid scar was also denied.

The Board has decided that a remand is necessary to determine the etiology of the Veteran's hearing loss in his left ear, as there was insufficient evidence considered during the previous VA examination.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss as there was no evidence of a disease or injury during active service, and the Veteran's current hearing loss did not manifest to a compensable degree in service or within a presumptive period.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection and rating issues related to head injuries, knee conditions, tinnitus, and hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and thyroid condition due to incomplete service records. The AOJ is instructed to verify the Veteran's periods of active duty for training (ACDUTRA) and inactive duty for training (INACDUTRA), obtain his complete service personnel records, and provide an opportunity for the Veteran to respond if further efforts are futile.