Hearing loss Board decisions

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has been evaluated at a 10 percent rating since February 5, 2009. The Board finds that the evidence does not support an increase in this evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss prior to June 28, 2017, and in excess of 10 percent thereafter was denied. The evidence did not support a higher rating at any point.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss was found to be at level I and II in both ears, resulting in a non-compensable disability rating. The Board determined that the evidence did not warrant an increase in the disability rating.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable, with no evidence of worsening or additional impairment.

The Veteran's appeal was granted, with service connection for a jaw disability established. The rating for bilateral hearing loss was increased to 70 percent effective May 17, 2013.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal, and the case is dismissed.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for a neck disability, chronic fatigue, joint pain, and gastrointestinal symptoms. The Veteran is not shown to have or have had visceral leishmaniasis. Joint pain and chronic fatigue are considered as manifestations of his service-connected hepatitis C.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is found to be related to her active service, and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for all issues.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain medical records, conduct VA examinations, and determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's loss of balance is related to his service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has found that the evidence is in equipoise and reasonable doubt must be resolved in favor of the Veteran, granting service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus.

The Veteran's increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and depressive disorder (MDD) have been denied. The Board has also determined that the Veteran is not entitled to a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he and his representative have withdrawn all claims, including the claim for TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial increased rating in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected tinnitus is denied. The claim of entitlement to an initial compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss requires additional development as the most recent VA examination was conducted in 2011 and does not include puretone thresholds at 3000 Hertz.

The Veteran's bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus are found to be related to his military noise exposure, which is granted as direct service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss are service-connected.,Service connection is granted for tinnitus, as it is at least as likely as not incurred in service due to noise exposure. Service connection is also granted for bilateral hearing loss, as it is at least as likely as not incurred in service due to noise exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current left ear hearing loss disability for VA compensation purposes and therefore, service connection cannot be granted.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for eczema, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss have been denied as his conditions do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under VA disability evaluation guidelines.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and records, including SSA disability benefits records, private treatment records from Tri West, Johnson City Medical Center, and Bristol Regional Medical, and updated VA evaluation records.