Hearing loss decisions — 2019

The Board denied a compensable evaluation for service-connected bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's degree of hearing impairment did not warrant such a rating based on multiple audiometric evaluations conducted over several years.

The Veteran's appeal for bilateral hearing loss is dismissed. The claim for service connection for back pain is reopened and granted to this extent only. Service connection for left elbow disability is denied. The appeals for back, neck, and bilateral foot disabilities are remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, which meets the criteria for a TDIU prior to October 12, 2016. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and Meniere’s disease were not shown to be related to his military service, and the Board denied both claims.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's right ear hearing loss. The claim will be reconsidered with a new examination and opinion.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus did not manifest within one year of discharge from service, nor are they otherwise shown to be caused by service. As such, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable, and his right ankle condition is currently rated at 10 percent. The Board has determined that the evidence does not support a higher rating for either condition.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, left foot residuals of cold injury, right foot residuals of cold injury, and an acquired psychiatric disorder claimed as post-traumatic stress disorder with severe depression. The case is being remanded to allow for further examination and consideration.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for updated VA records and a new examination.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss should be remanded due to insufficient evidence in the current examination report.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, and migraine headaches due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, generalized arthritis, respiratory disability, right knee disability (TKR), and left knee disability (TKR) due to in-service noise exposure. The Veteran's current disabilities are being evaluated based on their relationship to his military service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has not manifested to a compensable degree during the rating period on appeal, and therefore, an initial compensable disability rating for this condition is denied.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been reopened. The claim for tinnitus has been granted, but the claim for hearing loss remains remanded due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran. The rating for an acquired psychiatric disorder is also remanded.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for service connection of bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that no formal or informal claim was filed prior to April 19, 2012.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is granted as it is at least as likely as not related to in-service acoustic trauma. His tinnitus, which he claims is secondary to his hearing loss, is also granted.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted as service-connected, while a 50% rating is granted for PTSD. The TDIU claim is denied.

The Board has determined that there is not enough evidence to support a finding of current hearing loss disability related to service, and thus the claim for service connection for hearing loss is denied.