Hearing loss Board decisions

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for service connection of hearing loss and an increased evaluation for PTSD, thus the Board dismisses these claims.

The Veteran was found to be unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities as early as August 21, 2007.

The Veteran's low back disability is rated as 10 percent disabling, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability has been established. The Veteran's tinnitus is also service connected.

The Board has decided that a VA examination is needed to determine the relationship between the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, including in-service noise exposure. The appeal will be remanded for this purpose.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is likely due to noise exposure during service, and thus grants service connection for this condition. The claim for squamous cell carcinoma remains pending as there was insufficient evidence provided by VA to determine its etiology.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is not supported by evidence of record. The Board finds that the Veteran's current colon cancer is secondary to his service-connected multiple myeloma.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, as the additional evidence submitted since the July 2010 rating decision is cumulative and redundant.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has been evaluated as noncompensable since the grant of service connection. The VA audiometric evaluations have consistently shown mild to moderately-severe sensorineural hearing loss in both ears, which corresponds to a noncompensable rating.

The Board has found the Veteran's statements concerning the onset of hearing loss and tinnitus in service and the continuation of both disorders following his discharge from service to be credible. Service connection is granted for the Veteran's tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss disability.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be causally related to his military service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition. The issue of bilateral hearing loss remains pending as it was addressed in a separate decision.

The Board has scheduled the Veteran for a videoconference hearing but the RO used an incorrect mailing address and the Veteran did not receive notice of the hearing. The case is being remanded to schedule the Veteran for the correct hearing.

The Veteran's tinnitus had its onset during active military service and the Board finds that it is at least as likely as not related to his military service. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss may also be related to his military service, but further clarification from a VA examiner is needed.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection due to lack of new and material evidence, resulting in finality.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss, acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD), sleep apnea, and bilateral eye disability are not related to his military service. The claims for these conditions have been denied.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for coronary artery disease and GERD, as well as service connection for diabetes mellitus type II. The effective date of these decisions is October 12, 2012.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were granted. The TDIU claim was also granted prior to February 6, 2008.

The Veteran's appeal involves the issues of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss, right foot hallux valgus, and left foot hallux valgus. The Board has remanded these claims due to the need for additional examinations and consideration of new evidence.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has been manifested by no more than Level I hearing impairment in each ear throughout the appeal period, which corresponds to a noncompensable disability rating under Diagnostic Code 6100.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss are related to service, granting service connection for both conditions.