Hearing loss Board decisions

The Board has determined that additional development is needed, including obtaining treatment records and scheduling VA examinations for the Veteran's claimed disabilities. The case will be remanded to the AOJ for further action.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before a decision can be rendered on the Veteran's claims, including for an initial rating evaluation for PTSD and service connection for right ear hearing loss. The TDIU claim will also be remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss has been manifested by no worse than Level II hearing impairment in both ears, resulting in a noncompensable disability rating. The Board finds that the evidence does not support an initial compensable rating for his bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus are service-connected, as they are related to his in-service exposure to acoustic trauma.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 70 percent during the period on appeal, and thus the claim for an increased rating is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and recurrent tinnitus are service-connected as they are related to his in-service exposure to noise.

The Veteran's initial compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss prior to June 30, 2016, and an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for bilateral hearing loss from June 30, 2016, are both denied.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was not incurred in or aggravated by service, and the Board finds that it is less likely than not caused or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II or Parkinson's disease.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses at Cripple Creek Rehabilitation Center from April 18, 2013 to April 25, 2013 and from April 29, 2013 to May 11, 2013 are now covered by VA as the services were rendered in a medical emergency of such nature that delay would have been hazardous to life or health.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA audiological examination and treatment records. The issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance are being addressed.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated at 50 percent, the maximum schedular rating available. The Board finds no basis for a higher evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current hearing loss of the right ear is related to noise exposure during service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and bilateral pes planus were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not establish a current disability of bilateral hearing loss or bilateral pes planus, as defined by VA regulations.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied as his current level of disability does not warrant an increase in the assigned rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of bilateral hearing loss, finding that the earliest date of claim was April 5, 2013. The decision held that the correct facts were before the Board and no incorrect application of law occurred.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current bilateral hearing loss disability or tinnitus due to service, and therefore denied both claims.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and finds that new evidence received since the last final denial supports a finding of etiological relationship between his in-service noise exposure and current bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his active service, but have been granted as direct service connection based on credible lay testimony of in-service noise exposure.

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