Hearing loss Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected bilateral hearing loss. The RO must also update the file with VA treatment records since October 2014 and any pertinent private treatment records.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss and left ear hearing loss. As such, these claims remain denied.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss disability was evaluated at a 50% rating prior to April 23, 2013 and since July 31, 2013. The Board found that the evidence did not support an increase in ratings beyond these levels.

The Veteran's death was related to military service, and he may have been eligible for government life insurance. However, the VA has determined that there is a positive association between exposure to herbicides and the subsequent development of respiratory cancers of the lung, which led to his death from a presumptive disability associated with Agent Orange exposure.

The Board has remanded the case for further action due to issues with the evidence and examination provided. The Veteran's claim will be reviewed again after obtaining updated treatment records and a new examination.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is considered service-connected as it is presumed to have been incurred during his active military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining missing service treatment records and scheduling VA examinations.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling the Veteran for an examination.

The Board found that the Veteran's hearing loss disability did not warrant a rating higher than 10 percent based on objective testing results during the appeal period.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded to develop the radiation exposure claim and determine if his conditions are related to non-ionizing (microwave) radiation exposure during service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable, and his migraine headaches with aura are also rated as noncompensable. The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent prior to November 21, 2011, and at 50 percent beginning on that date.,The Veteran does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation for his bilateral hearing loss or migraine headaches with aura. His PTSD is currently evaluated as 50 percent disabling.

The Veteran's audiometric data throughout the appeal period does not show impaired hearing in either ear. The Board finds that service connection for bilateral hearing loss must be denied at this time.

The Board has dismissed the appeals due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hearing loss is being remanded due to the need to obtain recent VA treatment records.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed disabilities, including his back disability, bilateral hearing loss, peripheral neuropathy, and tinnitus.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current left ear hearing loss is due to his military service and grants his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated at zero percent, but the Board finds no evidence of a compensable level of disability during the appeal period.,The Veteran's tinea pedis, mycotic nails with paronychia, and eczema are each rated at zero percent as they do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Codes 7806, 7899-7806, and 7806 respectively.

The Veteran's appeal for a compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss and an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus has been dismissed. The Board granted the Veteran's TDIU claim as of August 1, 2008.

The Board found no evidence of a current right ear hearing loss disability for VA purposes, and thus denied the Veteran's claim for service connection.

The Board found no evidence of a causal relationship between the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus and his military service, including exposure to noise. Therefore, service connection for these conditions was denied.