Hearing loss Board decisions

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has at most manifested Level II hearing impairment in each ear during the appeal period, which does not warrant a compensable rating.

The Board found that the Veteran's hearing loss did not manifest during service or within one year after discharge, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied as his current hearing acuity did not meet the criteria for any higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and records. The issues of increased rating for bilateral hearing loss disability and SMC based on the need for aid and attendance are inextricably intertwined.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current left ear hearing loss disability for VA compensation purposes and denied service connection for right ear hearing loss and tinnitus. The evidence did not show chronic symptoms of right ear hearing loss or tinnitus during service, nor were they shown to be related to military noise exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment, and thus grants his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension and bilateral hearing loss are not related to his time in service, and thus denied both claims.

The Board has determined that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's current right ear hearing loss manifested during active duty service or is a result of an incident of service. As such, the criteria for service connection have been met and the claim is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and readjudicating the claims.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, by themselves or in concert, have not been sufficient at any time to render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation consistent with his education and occupational experience.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right eardrum disorder, respiratory disorder, and left elbow and thumb disorders. The remaining issues of service connection for tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, cervical spine disability, low back disability, increased ratings for the right and left knees, right forearm scar, left cornea scar, and left shoulder disorder are denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development due to issues related to scheduling an appropriate VA examination and addressing his service connection for hearing loss and depression.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is related to his in-service exposure to significant acoustic trauma while serving as a light weapons infantryman in combat in the Republic of Vietnam. Therefore, service connection for bilateral hearing loss is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining his October 2016 audiometric test results and any additional VA treatment records. The claim will be readjudicated based on the new evidence.

The Veteran's right ankle, left ankle, and bilateral hearing loss conditions are all found to be related to his service.,Service connection is granted for the Veteran's tinea pedis (infections of unknown origins) as it was present during service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran not having responded to a request for a hearing. The case will be scheduled for a videoconference or travel board hearing before a member of the Board.

The Veteran's PTSD claim is denied as there is no credible supporting evidence of an in-service stressor.,The Veteran's right leg condition and hearing loss claims are denied due to lack of medical evidence showing a current disability or connection to service.,The Veteran's tinnitus claim is denied as the claimed event did not occur during service, and there is no competent evidence linking it to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability of bilateral hearing loss to an extent recognized as a disability for VA purposes, and thus service connection is denied.

The Board found that new and material evidence had been received to reopen the claim of service connection for PTSD, but denied the claim as there was no diagnosis of PTSD in accordance with VA criteria. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder was not linked to his active service. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus was also denied due to lack of a nexus between the disorders and service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was shown to warrant a 10 percent rating March 28, 2016, but no earlier. The criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral hearing loss have not been met.,The weight of the competent evidence of record is against a finding that the Veteran has depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, and adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood as a result of his military service.