Hearing loss Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus do not prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment, even in a quiet environment with infrequent interpersonal interactions.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for the issues of entitlement to service connection for a right ear hearing loss disability, entitlement to service connection for cardiomyopathy, to include as secondary to hypertension, and entitlement to a compensable evaluation for left ear hearing loss.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability was rated at 20 percent since October 28, 2016, based on the VA audiological examination conducted in October 2016.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under VA's disability evaluation schedule.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his request for an updated examination. The RO needs to properly notify the Veteran of the time and place of the re-scheduled hearing loss examination.

The Board has found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his active service, while hypertension is not due to or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus (DM), and ED was not caused or aggravated by DM.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical examinations and a need for additional development, including obtaining new examination reports and opinions. The Veteran's claims for service connection are pending.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability has been rated as noncompensable throughout the appeal period. The Board finds that his hearing loss does not meet or approximate the criteria for a compensable rating under VA regulations.

Service connection is granted for multiple myeloma as due to herbicide exposure, and service connection is denied for bone cancer.,Service connection is granted for DVT as secondary to multiple myeloma, and service connection is denied for a lung disability (including mesothelioma) and prostate disorder. Bilateral hearing loss is also service connected.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including scheduling a VA audiological examination to determine if the Veteran has a hearing loss disability for VA purposes and whether it is at least as likely as not related to service. The appeal will be returned to the Board after this development.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination and opinion due to insufficient rationale in the previous November 2015 VA opinion. The Veteran's representative requested an additional hearing test by a Doctor of Audiology, and discussed possible delayed onset hearing loss based on medical journal articles.

The Veteran's initial claim for a compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss prior to April 7, 2014 was denied. For the period since April 7, 2014, his claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent was also denied.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and PTSD have been rated based on their current severity, with the PTSD receiving a 70% rating prior to December 27, 2013, and a 100% rating thereafter. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for TDIU as of December 27, 2013.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of bilateral hearing loss or tinnitus, and therefore cannot establish service connection for these conditions.,Regarding the lumbar spine disability, the Veteran's claim is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability related to active service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is found to be related to service exposure to acoustic trauma. The right rib injury claim is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability or link to service.

The case is being remanded for additional development to obtain service treatment records, personnel records, and medical opinions regarding the Veteran's low back disorder and bilateral hearing loss. The TDIU claim will also be deferred until these issues are resolved.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there is no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is related to service, resolving all reasonable doubt in his favor.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before the appeal can be decided, including obtaining verification of the Veteran's Reserve service and any period of ACDUTRA or INACDUTRA. Additionally, a VA audiology examination must be conducted to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.