Hearing loss Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is currently manifested by no worse than Level I hearing acuity in both ears, and therefore does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has been rated at 10 percent since the appeal period began, which is the maximum schedular rating available for this condition.

The Veteran requested to withdraw all of his pending appeals, including those related to service connection for various conditions and disability ratings. As a result, the Board has dismissed the appeal.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and conducting further evidentiary development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss must be remanded due to inadequate opinion regarding the etiology of his current hearing loss.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss. The issue of entitlement to a compensable rating for left ear hearing loss is being remanded due to the inextricability with the right ear hearing loss claim.

The Veteran's service-connected hearing loss and tinnitus did not prevent him from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment during the period from March 20, 2012 to March 26, 2014. Therefore, a TDIU was denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a back injury with leg numbness and bilateral hearing loss were denied, as well as his claim for TDIU. The Board found that the evidence did not support these claims.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to have begun in service and has persisted, warranting service connection. The claims for hearing loss, thyroid cancer, colon cancer, liver cancer, and stomach cancer are remanded for further development.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss did not manifest within one year of separation from service and is not shown to be causally related to his active duty service. Therefore, service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, hearing loss, and tinnitus result in a combined evaluation of 60 percent. The Board finds that the Veteran is not unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus did not manifest during service or within one year of separation, and are not otherwise related to service. Therefore, the claims for service connection were denied.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD and depression). The Board has dismissed these matters as there are no remaining issues to consider.

The Board found no evidence of hearing loss during service or within one year post-service, and the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is not related to his military service. The claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss disability was denied as his audiometric results did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation. His claim for service connection for otitis media was also denied.

The Board has determined that the case is remanded for further development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, scheduling a VA examination, and addressing the Veteran's service connection claim.

The Veteran's tinnitus claim is granted as her service connection for this condition is established.,Her bilateral hearing loss claim to reopen was denied due to the lack of new and material evidence.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.,The Veteran is seeking an initial compensable evaluation for his bilateral hearing loss. The VA will provide a new examination to assess the current severity of this condition.,The Veteran seeks service connection for right ankle disability, sleep apnea, GERD, sinus disability, pes planus (flatfoot), and right knee disability. A VA examination is needed to determine the etiology of these conditions.,The Veteran claims that his sleep apnea may be related to military service. The VA will provide a new examination to assess whether this condition was caused by or is the result of his military service.,The Veteran seeks service connection for GERD, which he believes may be related to in-service gastrointestinal issues. A VA examination will determine if there is a link between his current condition and his military service.,The Veteran claims that his sinus disability may be linked to military service. The VA will provide an examination to assess the etiology of this condition.,The Veteran seeks service connection for pes planus (flatfoot), which he believes was aggravated by military service. A VA examination is needed to determine if there is a link between his current condition and his military service.,The Veteran claims that his right knee disability may be related to military service. The VA will provide an examination to assess the etiology of this condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service treatment records and the need for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran currently has bilateral hearing loss due to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, neck disability and increased evaluation for residuals of left ankle sprain are being reopened. The issues have been remanded to ensure proper development.