Hearing loss Board decisions

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's left ear hearing loss, and thus the claim is being remanded.

The Board finds that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is caused by exposure to acoustic trauma during service, and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board denied service connection for a bilateral hearing loss disability and an increased initial rating for PTSD due to lack of evidence showing the disabilities were incurred or aggravated by service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss is at least as likely as not related to in-service noise exposure, and service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss are etiologically related to service, while his residuals of a cold injury have not been established as being directly related to service. The claim for service connection for residuals of a cold injury is denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there is no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his military service. The Board also found insufficient evidence to establish service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder claimed as secondary to hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was found to be at a level of 10 percent prior to May 2, 2016 and at a level of 20 percent thereafter. The claim for increased ratings is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is currently rated at 20 percent since September 27, 2012. The claim for an increased rating is denied as the evidence does not support a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is found to have its onset during service and has been recurrent since then, warranting service connection.,The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder had its onset during service and was confirmed by a VA mental health provider.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating claim for bilateral hearing loss prior to April 5, 2016 has been granted. The effective date remains pending further action.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him incapable of securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board finds that he is entitled to TDIU for the entire rating period on appeal.

The Veteran is granted a TDIU due to service-connected Meniere's syndrome with bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, preventing him from securing or following any substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability has been manifested by no more than Level II hearing impairment in both ears throughout the appeal period, and therefore does not warrant a compensable rating.

The Board has determined that additional VA examinations and medical opinions are needed to address the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, as the current evidence is insufficient to determine whether these conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's initial ratings for bilateral hearing loss were denied as the criteria for a compensable rating prior to June 26, 2012, and higher than 20 percent, 30 percent, and 40 percent prior to July 11, 2016, October 25, 2016, and beginning October 25, 2016, respectively, were not met.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and VA treatment records. Additional examinations are also needed to assess the current severity of his right hip, right shoulder, left knee, and right knee disabilities.

The Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is considered service-connected as it manifested during and after his combat service in Vietnam, meeting the criteria for service connection under both the combat provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. § 1154(b) and the chronic disease presumption.

The Board has denied the reopening of the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lung disorder, low back disorder, and left ankle disorder. The claim for an increased rating for tinnitus is also denied.

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

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service, with continuity of symptoms since separation. As a result, both conditions have been granted service connection.