Hearing loss Board decisions

The Veteran seeks service connection for bilateral hearing loss, which he contends is related to an in-service incident. The July 2014 VA examination report was inadequate as it did not provide a clear and unmistakable evidence opinion regarding the existence of the condition prior to service or whether it worsened during service.

The Board has determined that additional information is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including for his bilateral hearing loss and left shoulder disability. The case is therefore REMANDED.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for a compensable rating for right ear hearing loss, and the Board has dismissed this matter.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not service-connected due to lack of evidence showing a nexus between his in-service noise exposure and his disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating for service-connected bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his condition.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated at 10 percent, the maximum schedular rating available.

The Veteran's PTSD was evaluated at a 30% rating, which is the maximum available under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.,For his bilateral hearing loss from August 20, 2013 to October 16, 2017, he received a 10% evaluation. However, after this period, his hearing loss was rated as noncompensable.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA audiological examination and the acquisition of relevant treatment records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his exposure to acoustic trauma during service, and thus grants service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated at 20 percent prior to December 17, 2015. Service connection for tinnitus has been granted.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, but the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The Veteran also did not meet the requirements for TDIU prior to November 24, 2014.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an increased rating for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, evaluated as 50 percent disabling prior to October 1, 2015 and as 20 percent thereafter.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and obtaining outstanding medical records. The Veteran seeks an increased rating for his bilateral hearing loss.

The Board finds that the evidence is in relative equipoise as to whether the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is related to his in-service noise exposure, and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied as his condition did not warrant a higher than noncompensable rating from September 9, 2015 and in excess of 10 percent from September 27, 2016.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his military service, as there is no evidence of in-service noise exposure or a compensable degree of hearing loss within one year after discharge. The VA examiner concluded that these conditions are not related to service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to incomplete examination and opinion.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to additional development being required.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied as his audiometric results do not warrant a compensable rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his military service, as there is no evidence of worsening during service or a direct relationship.