Hearing loss Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss does not warrant a compensable rating under VA's schedular criteria. The noncompensable disability evaluation accurately reflects his hearing impairment.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has been rated as 0 percent disabling throughout the appeal period, corresponding to level I hearing in both ears. The current VA examination findings do not warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals regarding service connection for bilateral pes planus and increased ratings for adjustment disorder with depressed mood, migraine headaches, post-operative right shoulder bursitis with scarring, lumbar spine strain, and bilateral hearing loss. The Board has no further jurisdiction to consider these matters.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, low back disability, and right knee disability are pending. The Board has determined that the evidence does not establish a current disability for any of these conditions as defined by VA standards.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus are found to be related to his active service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to December 17, 2009 for the grant of service connection for diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity associated with diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity associated with diabetes mellitus, bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and consideration of outstanding VA treatment records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left ear hearing loss and bilateral tinnitus are related to service, warranting service connection. The right leg scar is rated as noncompensable due to its nature.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service personnel records and VA treatment records. The Appellant's claims of PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a left shoulder disorder will be reconsidered based on this new evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected bilateral hearing loss disability.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, colon cancer, an eye disability (presumably a pre-existing condition), hemorrhoids, non-allergic rhinitis, and knee disabilities. The Board also found that there is no evidence to support the Veteran's claim of service connection for right leg varicose veins, chronic venous embolism, or deep vein thrombosis. Service connection has been granted for non-allergic rhinitis due to a service-connected deviated septum.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased evaluation for bilateral hearing loss prior to November 20, 2012, and in excess of 10 percent thereafter was denied. The Board found that there is no audiological evidence of record to support a compensable evaluation prior to November 20, 2012, or in excess of 10 percent thereafter.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied as his test results did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under VA regulations.

The Board has found that the Veteran's current diagnoses of bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military noise exposure. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is remanded due to outstanding records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his in-service noise exposure, resulting in a grant of service connection for these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The effective dates for the grants of service connection were not established as requested.,The Veteran was also denied compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for additional disability claimed as a result of July 9, 1979 VA medical treatment.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted. The Board finds that the Veteran's current diagnoses of bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military noise exposure.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, resulting in a denial.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability of bilateral hearing loss or tinnitus that is related to his military service. The evidence shows no in-service hearing problems and no post-service medical records documenting onset within one year after separation from service.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss prior to December 2, 2015, and in excess of 10 percent thereafter is being remanded due to the need for additional development.