Hearing loss Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss does not warrant a compensable evaluation at any time during the appeal period.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss did not manifest during service or within one year of discharge, and there is no evidence of continuity of symptomatology. The claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is therefore denied.

The Veteran's hearing loss disability was rated at 10 percent prior to April 23, 2014, and remains at that level thereafter. The appeal is granted for the entire increased rating period.

The Board found that the Veteran's currently diagnosed bilateral hearing loss did not become manifest during service, within one year of discharge, or is otherwise related to his military service. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Board found no evidence to support the Veteran's claim of service connection for right ear hearing loss and denied his request for an initial compensable rating for left ear hearing loss. The Veteran's current hearing loss disabilities are not considered disabling under VA criteria.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD is granted as there was an in-service personal assault and the Veteran has current diagnosed PTSD. The hearing loss claim remains pending due to insufficient evidence regarding a clinically significant threshold shift during service.

The Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is etiologically related to in-service military noise exposure, and the Board finds that service connection for this condition should be granted.

The Veteran requested withdrawal of his appeal regarding an increased rating for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, and the Board has dismissed the appeal as a result.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is associated with his service-connected left ear hearing loss and grants service connection for this condition on a secondary basis. The issue of entitlement to service connection for right ear hearing loss is remanded due to inadequate medical opinion.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, as well as a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his hearing loss and diabetic retinopathy.

The Veteran seeks service connection for various conditions, including hypertension, hearing loss, head trauma residuals, facial scars, neck disability, and low back disability. The appeal is remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and treatment records.

The Veteran has tinnitus that is the result of disease or injury incurred during active military service. The Board finds the Veteran's statements regarding an in-service onset of tinnitus to be credible and grants service connection for tinnitus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran meets the criteria for service connection for left ear hearing loss throughout the pendency of his claim, and thus grants this claim.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for bilateral pes planus was denied. The Board found that the disability more closely approximated severe pes planus, warranting a 30 percent rating. However, as the disability had been service-connected on an aggravation basis, the pre-existing degree of disability (10%) was deducted from any compensation level assigned, leaving the Veteran with a net 20% compensation level for his bilateral pes planus. The claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not addressed due to inadequate examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, particularly his hearing loss, render him in need of regular aid and attendance. As a result, special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance is granted.

The Board has reopened the claims to service connection and granted them for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and lung disorder. The claim for prostate disorder is denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back disability, neck disability, bilateral hearing loss, headaches, and acquired psychiatric disability. The evidence did not establish a nexus between these conditions and service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. Service connection is granted for tinnitus, but the claim for hearing loss remains pending as it did not meet VA standards at the time of the examination.