Hearing loss Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability for which service connection can be granted, specifically bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The evidence does not support a finding of in-service incurrence or aggravation of these conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was not incurred in service and is unrelated to his military service. The claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been denied.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss, but a new VA examination is needed to determine if his current hearing loss disability is related to active service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has been rated as noncompensable, with the Board finding that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating based on the current evaluation.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was rated at 40 percent since March 24, 2009. The Board found that the disability did not warrant a higher rating as it only met criteria for level V and XI hearing in both ears.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his request for a videoconference hearing. The case will be processed in accordance with established appellate practices.

The Board found that the Veteran does not currently have a hearing loss disability for VA purposes in either ear since he filed his claim, and thus denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran seeks service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability. The RO denied the claim on the basis that there was no current diagnosis of a hearing loss disability meeting VA criteria. The case is now remanded to provide the Veteran with a new VA examination and determine if he has a current hearing loss disability related to his active service.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the relationship between the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and his military service, including any in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded to the AOJ for further consideration, including referral to the Under Secretary for Benefits or the Director of VA's Compensation and Pension Service for extraschedular consideration.

The Board vacated the November 8, 2013 decision denying service connection for hearing loss disability and granted a 40% rating for the Veteran's gunshot wound to the right arm with carpal tunnel syndrome effective August 23, 2012. The issues of service connection for hearing loss disability and increased rating for the right arm condition remain unresolved.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus do not preclude him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment, as he was still employed at a wine company earning either $18,000 or $42,000 in the past year. The combined rating of 60% does not meet the criteria for TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for hypothyroidism was granted, with a current rating of 60 percent effective April 30, 2009. The other service connection claims were denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to a request for a DRO hearing and need for additional medical records. The Veteran's low back disorder is unclearly related to service, and he needs an examination to determine its etiology.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are found to be the result of in-service acoustic trauma, meeting the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for hearing loss is being remanded due to newly associated service treatment records that may indicate a worsening during active duty. The case will be reconsidered in light of these records.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for right ear hearing loss and sleep apnea, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for limitation of right knee extension and instability were granted, with a rating of zero percent effective February 1, 2011.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims for service connection for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss. However, both claims are denied as there is no competent medical evidence showing a link between current disabilities and military service.