Hearing loss Board decisions

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss is rated at the highest possible compensable rating of 10 percent, as his right ear does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The Board found that the evidence did not support an increase in the rating.

The Veteran's hearing acuity was rated as level III in both ears prior to November 28, 2012. From November 28, 2012 to January 18, 2013 and from January 18, 2013 to October 8, 2014, the Veteran's hearing acuity was rated as level VIII in one ear and level VI in the other. After October 8, 2014, the Veteran's hearing acuity was rated as level IX in one ear and level VIII in the other. The Board denied all claims for increased ratings.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as there is no current disability recognized by VA standards.

The Veteran's service-connected hearing loss and tinnitus do not prevent him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied because he failed to report for a scheduled VA examination.

The Veteran's case is being remanded for further development, including scheduling a videoconference hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is not related to his military service, and he does not meet the criteria for a higher rating for PTSD. The Veteran's respiratory condition claim was previously addressed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to a scheduling issue for his Board hearing. The issues of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, bilateral hearing loss disability, and tinnitus are still pending.

The Board has granted service connection for a hearing loss disability of the left ear and remanded the issue of an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran is entitled to a new VA examination to evaluate his current severity of hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling VA examinations to assess the Veteran's claims. The Veteran is not entitled to service connection for his claimed conditions as they are not related to his military service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, including considering his exposure during service. The case will be remanded for this purpose.

The Veteran's right knee disorder is found to be aggravated by service, warranting service connection.,For the period from November 4, 2009, through February 23, 2014, the Veteran does not meet the criteria for an initial compensable evaluation for left ear hearing loss.

The Board has granted a 10 percent disability rating for bilateral hearing loss, effective May 20, 2015. The Veteran's service connection claims for a scar on the chin and a left arm disability remain pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred in or aggravated by service, as there is no evidence of a current disability during service or within one year after separation. The VA examiner concluded that the Veteran's current disabilities are not related to his period of service.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and consideration of new evidence.

The Veteran's current tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss are at least as likely as not related to his military service, with the Board granting service connection for both conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and diabetic retinopathy were denied. The claim for a higher rating for diabetic retinopathy was also denied.

The Veteran withdrew his claims for a compensable disability rating for hearing loss and for TDIU prior to January 8, 2013. As no justiciable issues remain before the Board, both claims are dismissed.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and determining if he was exposed to Agent Orange during service. The case is therefore being remanded for these purposes.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his ear condition, whether it is related to service or any service-connected disabilities.