Hearing loss Board decisions

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 opinions regarding the impact of his service-connected conditions on his employability.

The Board found that the Veteran's left ear hearing loss is not related to his military service, as evidenced by a normal hearing test at discharge and no significant occupational noise exposure. The Board concluded that the hearing loss is more likely due to natural aging rather than in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was rated at 10% prior to June 12, 2012 and at 30% from that date. The Board found the evidence did not support a higher rating for any period on appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss has been evaluated as noncompensable throughout the appeal period, with the most recent VA examination showing average puretone thresholds of 52 decibels in the right ear and 59 decibels in the left ear. These findings do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The Veteran is not entitled to service connection for these conditions as there is no evidence of a current disability during or following his military service.

The Board has determined that a new VA examination is needed to determine the relationship between the Veteran's current hearing loss and tinnitus and his military service, as well as whether any other issues on appeal should be addressed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for scheduling a Board hearing by video conference. The issues of entitlement to service connection for various conditions are not addressed as the appeal is in process.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was not shown in service or within one year of separation, and the weight of evidence is against a finding that it is related to military noise exposure. Therefore, service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is related to his military service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition. The issue of tinnitus remains pending as there are insufficient medical opinions regarding its etiology.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss disability are related to in-service noise exposure, and service connection is granted.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been dismissed as the appellant requested withdrawal of his appeal.

The Board finds that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is related to his military service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has found that the Veteran's tinnitus manifested during military service and is granted service connection for this condition. The issue of bilateral hearing loss remains pending as it was not addressed in the decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not service-connected as they are not shown to be related to his military service, including noise exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is related to his in-service noise exposure and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for degenerative joint disease of the left knee and service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's degenerative joint disease did not meet criteria for a higher rating, and his hearing loss was not shown to be incurred or presumed due to service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA records and providing a VA examination to determine if the Veteran is unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for further action, including scheduling a video conference hearing at an Oakland RO facility.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is manifested by Level I hearing acuity in both ears, and the current findings do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.