Hearing loss Board decisions

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been granted as all reasonable doubt has been resolved in his favor.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted as service-connected, with the Board finding that both conditions are at least as likely as not related to in-service noise exposure.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for an effective date prior to December 3, 2010 for his award of a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU). The decision found that the claim was not filed within one year before the effective date and did not meet the schedular numeric criteria for an award of TDIU until December 3, 2010.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss is rated at 10 percent, which is the maximum rating available for this condition. The Board finds that there is no evidence to support a higher rating.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is determined to be related to his military service, and he is granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is granted. The Board finds that the Veteran likely has tinnitus that is attributable to his active military service, and grants service connection for this condition. For the hearing loss issue, the case is remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is at least as likely as not related to hazardous noise and acoustic trauma in service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's hearing loss is being remanded for additional development as the VA examiner found that it was not caused by his service, citing to the fact that his separation examination audiogram was within normal limits. The Veteran contends that he was exposed to hazardous noise in service and presented literature supporting this claim.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU.

The Veteran is found to be unemployable due to service-connected disabilities, and therefore entitled to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service treatment records and the need for a VA examination to determine the etiology of the Veteran's right ear hearing loss.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a respiratory condition (claimed as asthma) are all granted. The Veteran has current diagnoses of these conditions and there is sufficient evidence to establish a link between each condition and his active service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, stomach disorder, and bilateral ankle disorder have all been denied. The Board found no evidence of chronic disabilities in service or at separation that could be linked to current conditions.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's previously denied claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The Board finds that there is at least equipoise of probative evidence regarding whether the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is related to his in-service noise exposure, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is not entitled to service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, or ischemic heart disease as these conditions are not related to his military service. The claims have been denied.

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

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were at least as likely as not caused by in-service, acoustic trauma. The left shoulder condition, neck condition, and OSA are all granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not warrant a compensable rating, as his hearing impairment is currently rated at Level II in each ear, which corresponds to noncompensable disability under VA Rating Schedule.

The VA has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disability evaluations combine to an overall 60 percent rating under the Combined Ratings Table for the appellate period of September 2010 to February 2016.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted as the evidence shows these conditions were incurred during his active military service.