Hearing loss decisions — 2007

The veteran requested service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability, but the appeal was dismissed due to the appellant's withdrawal of the appeal prior to a decision.

The VA determined that the veteran's current hearing loss disability is not related to service and denied his claim.

The veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been granted. He is currently receiving the maximum rating available for his bilateral tympanic membrane perforations, and factors warranting extraschedular consideration are neither shown nor alleged. The veteran reports that his headaches occur on a daily basis, occasionally requiring him to lay down in bed or on the couch.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and osteoarthritis of the right hand were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating or a disability rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board found that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability was not incurred in or aggravated by active service, and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left ear hearing loss and tinnitus are related to in-service noise exposure, and service connection is granted for these conditions.

The veteran's bilateral hearing loss was rated at 10 percent prior to February 20, 2006 and increased to 20 percent from that date. The Board found no basis for a higher rating during the appeal period.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy of the right hand and therefore cannot establish service connection for this condition. The claims for initial compensable evaluations for hemorrhoids and bilateral hearing loss, as well as service connection for tinnitus, are being remanded to complete the appeal process.

The Board found that the veteran does not have a back condition or bilateral hearing loss as a result of service. The claim for these conditions was denied.

The Board denied the reopening of a claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that new and material evidence had not been received. The veteran's pre-existing hearing loss was considered to have existed prior to service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his active duty service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling examinations to determine the nature, extent, and likely etiology of the veteran's gastrointestinal disorder, seizure disorder, and left ear hearing loss.

The veteran's tinnitus and left ear hearing loss are currently evaluated at the maximum schedular ratings, with no legal basis for separate evaluations or higher ratings.

The veteran's bilateral hearing loss is attributable to his periods of active service, and he was discharged from service due to ear, nose, and throat conditions. Service connection for these issues has been granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss does not warrant a compensable rating, and thus denied his claim.

The veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are being remanded due to incomplete service records and the need for a VA examination.

The veteran is not eligible for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance due to his mobility, but meets the qualifications for a housebound rate given his age and disability rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to service, as there is no evidence of onset during service or within one year post-service. The VA examiner concluded that the current hearing loss is more likely due to occupational noise exposure and aging, while the tinnitus is unrelated to acoustic trauma suffered in service.

The Board has remanded the case for further consideration due to a lack of medical evidence addressing the combined effect of the veteran's service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling a VA audiological examination.