Hearing loss decisions — 2006

The Board has decided to remand the case for further examination and readjudication due to inconsistencies in the opinions provided regarding the etiology of the veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus.

The veteran's claim for a compensable rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for an updated audiological examination.

The veteran's claim for an increased disability evaluation for his service-connected hearing loss is being remanded due to the need to obtain VA medical records and conduct further examinations.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and a psychiatric condition, to include dysthymic disorder. The increased evaluation claims were also denied.

The Board has granted a 30 percent disability rating for the veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss, effective from when the claim was received in March 2001.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for additional development, including obtaining medical records and ensuring compliance with VCAA requirements.

The Board has determined that the veteran's pre-existing left ear hearing loss did not increase in severity during service, and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine if there was any additional disability due to fault on VA's part in furnishing medical care.

The veteran's appeal is currently pending and has been remanded by the Board of Veterans' Appeals for clarification on his hearing preferences.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude all forms of substantially gainful employment consistent with his educational background and occupational experience.

The veteran's bilateral hearing loss is service-connected, but his tinnitus and claimed PTSD are not. The appeal for PTSD remains pending as the issue of whether it was incurred in service or if there is a link to service is unclear.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination and providing proper VCAA notice.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are denied as there is no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to his active service.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to new evidence submitted, but it is still denied as there is no causal relationship between current hearing loss and service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration, including obtaining a VA audiometric examination to determine if the appellant's current hearing loss disability is related to his noise exposure in service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are likely due to noise exposure during his period of active service, granting service connection for these conditions.

The Board has granted an initial rating of 40 percent for the service-connected bilateral hearing loss, which is higher than the previously assigned 30 percent rating. The veteran's hearing acuity was found to warrant this increased rating based on the exceptional pattern of hearing impairment.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to issues related to service connection and evaluations of prostatitis, right knee disability, and chondromalacia of the left knee.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to address claims of service connection for various conditions, including hearing loss, tinnitus, and PTSD. The veteran's stressor allegations regarding a helicopter crash are also under review.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss is granted, effective from August 7, 1957. The initial evaluation remains at 10%.