Hearing loss Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied as he does not have a current disability meeting the criteria for VA compensation purposes. The claims for increased evaluations of TMJ and pes planus with plantar fasciitis were dismissed due to the Veteran's request to withdraw them.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability has been rated at a 10 percent since April 2012, which is the earliest date of evidence showing this level of impairment.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that new evidence supports a causal relationship to in-service noise exposure. As such, these claims are granted.

The Veteran's initial rating for bilateral hearing loss has been upheld at 50 percent, effective January 28, 2013.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are at least as likely as not related to his military noise exposure. Service connection for headaches was also granted based on a link between the Veteran's in-service head injury and his current symptoms.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not meet or approximate the criteria for a compensable rating under VA regulations.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and a lumbar spine disorder, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are causally related to his military service. The other issues on appeal remain unresolved.

The Board finds that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are service-connected as they are related to his in-service exposure to loud noise, which is conceded. The evidence shows a continuity of symptoms since service.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he requested to withdraw his appeals for the right ear hearing loss disability and sleep disability claims.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there is sufficient evidence to establish a nexus between these conditions and in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is service-connected.,Service connection for osteoarthritis of the right knee, left knee, low back disorder, right hip disorder, and left hip disorder are granted as secondary to his service-connected residuals of a right foot bunionectomy.

The Board found that the Veteran's current disabilities of bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, thoracolumbar strain, cervical spine disability, and right leg sciatica are not related to his military service. The evidence did not establish a direct link between these conditions and his active duty.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating of 40 percent for back disability, including radiculopathy, was granted with a current effective date of March 11, 2010. Effective dates were also established for service connection for right lower extremity radiculopathy and tinnitus on the same day.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, along with other disabilities, has resulted in occupational and social impairment that warrants a 70 percent rating.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is considered severe enough for VA purposes, and the claim for service connection has been granted.

The Board is remanding the case due to incomplete medical opinions and the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance, which has been granted special monthly compensation based on this need.

The Veteran's bilateral sensorineural hearing loss was not caused by acoustic trauma in service and the evidence does not establish a continuity of symptoms since service. The Board finds that the Veteran does not meet the requirements for service connection under any applicable theory of entitlement.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is not related to his military service, as there was no evidence of a threshold shift in either ear during service and his hearing was within normal limits at separation. The claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Veteran's tinnitus has been granted service connection, and his PTSD is rated at the maximum allowable under VA guidelines. The hearing loss claim remains pending, as does the TDIU issue.