Hearing loss Board decisions

The Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection of a back condition was denied. His claim for an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss prior to November 9, 2012, and in excess of 50 percent thereafter, was also denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's pre-existing bilateral hearing loss did not permanently increase in severity during his active military service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has been manifested by no worse than Level III hearing acuity in each ear since September 13, 2012. Therefore, a compensable rating for this condition is not warranted.

The Veteran's initial evaluation for bilateral hearing loss disability was granted, but the claim is now denied as his current disability does not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has ordered a remand due to the need for additional development, including obtaining an updated VA opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was evaluated as 0 percent disabling, as his hearing acuity did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities.

The Board found no current diagnosis of bilateral hearing loss or decreased visual acuity, and thus denied the Veteran's claims for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and ensuring all claims are properly addressed.

The Board has determined that the January 2010 audiological examination is inadequate and remands for a new VA audiology evaluation to determine the nature and etiology of any currently present bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, and a sleep disability (presumably sleep apnea). The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is rated at 70 percent.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current hearing impairment is causally related to his in-service acoustic trauma. Service connection for bilateral tinnitus was denied as there is no evidence of a nexus between the condition and service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right ear hearing loss and tinnitus are related to service, with the exception of his left ear disabilities. The Veteran is granted service connection for right ear tinnitus.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to have had its onset during active service and the Board finds that it can as likely as not be attributed to in-service exposure to noise. Service connection for tinnitus is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and residual numbness of the right fifth finger status post fusion surgery, as there is no current diagnosis of bilateral hearing loss. The claim for an increased rating was not ripe at this time due to pending development on other issues.,Service connection was granted for residual numbness of the right fifth finger status post fusion surgery based on continuity of symptomatology since service and credible lay evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss had its onset during his active military service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and service connection for a pulmonary disorder are both denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support granting either claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to noise exposure during his military service, thus granting service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus are related to his military service, with at least equipoise evidence in favor of this conclusion.

The Veteran's initial claim for service-connected bilateral hearing loss resulted in a noncompensable rating prior to March 24, 2014. Since then, he has been rated with a 10 percent disability rating. The Board found that the evidence did not support an increase in severity of his hearing impairment at any time.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is found to be related to his service, while the mitral valve prolapse is not considered to have a connection with his military service.