Hearing loss Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the current level of severity of his hearing loss.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, and the Board has granted a TDIU based on this finding.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation from September 22, 2011 to February 10, 2014.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and skin cancer residuals were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss prior to May 19, 2010, or in excess of 10 percent thereafter. For skin cancer residuals, no clear photographs were provided, and the issue was deferred due to its interdependence with the TDIU claim.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as his current left ear hearing loss does not meet the criteria for a disability under VA regulations. The Veteran's respiratory disorder, including bronchitis, is remanded for an addendum opinion to determine if it is at least as likely as not related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of bilateral hearing loss as defined by VA regulations and therefore, service connection for this disability is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance/housebound status.

The Board finds that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not service-connected, as there is no current disability for VA compensation purposes. However, the Veteran's assertions of in-service noise exposure and continuity of symptoms since service have been found credible.

The Board found that the Veteran's preexisting right ear hearing loss did not increase in severity during service and there was no evidence of left ear hearing loss in service. The VA examiner concluded that the current bilateral hearing loss is not related to military service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was initially granted and rated at 10 percent prior to March 6, 2015. From September 7, 2012, to March 6, 2015, the rating was increased to 20 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to reconcile discrepancies in audiometric and speech discrimination test results. The Veteran's representative will also be given an opportunity to submit written argument.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability and left ear hearing loss are not related to his service, and therefore denied these claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his service, with a finding of continuity of symptoms from service. Therefore, service connection is granted for both conditions.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for right finger posttraumatic degenerative joint disease was denied as the evidence did not support a compensable evaluation.,Service connection for hypertension and bilateral hearing loss were both denied due to lack of in-service onset or continuity of symptomatology. Service connection for tinnitus was also denied.

The Veteran's initial claim for a compensable rating for left ear hearing loss is denied as his disability level does not meet the criteria for any higher evaluation.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine. However, it denied these claims as there was no evidence linking the conditions to military service.

The Veteran's current tinnitus is at least as likely as not the result of an in-service event or injury, and the Board finds that the Veteran's statements are competent and credible. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is also found to be related to service due to noise exposure.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for VA examinations to assess his current disability levels.

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

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his active service, as there is no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his military service. The Veteran did not have a hearing loss disability during service or within one year after separation from service.