Hearing loss decisions — 2008

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to new evidence received after a previous supplemental statement of the case.

The veteran's bilateral hearing loss and left elbow and forearm disabilities have been evaluated, with the left elbow disability receiving a 20 percent evaluation and the left forearm disability receiving a separate 30 percent evaluation.

The Board denied an increased rating for the veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss, currently rated at 10 percent.

The Board has granted service connection for major depressive disorder and assigned a 50 percent rating since May 9, 2005. The veteran's right ear hearing loss claim is denied as she does not currently have the required auditory threshold levels to meet VA criteria for hearing loss. For the period prior to May 9, 2005, the Board has granted a 30 percent rating based on occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks.

The Board finds that there is no evidence showing a current disability of left ear hearing loss or tinnitus due to service, and the gap in treatment between separation from service and January 2002 preponderates against finding continuity of symptomatology. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his military service, and there is no evidence of a left leg disorder. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board has determined that the evidence received is not new and material to reopen the claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss.

The VA determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss, rated at 40 percent, does not warrant an increase in his disability rating.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected dorsal and lumbar scoliosis, postoperative condition does not meet or approximate the criteria for a rating in excess of 40 percent. The combined disability evaluation is 40 percent, which corresponds to the current 40 percent schedular evaluation. As such, the claim for an increased rating was denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding no evidence of in-service noise exposure or a nexus to service.

The veteran's claims for effective dates prior to October 17, 2002 for service connection of bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been denied as the law does not allow an earlier effective date than when the claim was filed.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for right and left ear hearing loss, finding that new evidence did not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim. The Board also found that there is no medical evidence showing that the veteran's current hearing loss was incurred in or aggravated by his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current disability of bilateral hearing loss or tinnitus that is related to service, and thus denied both claims.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for further examination and notification.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the veteran's claims, including a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and erectile dysfunction.

The Board found that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is not related to his military service, including any acoustic trauma as a jet aircraft mechanic. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to conflicting opinions regarding the veteran's hearing loss and its relation to service. The veteran is requested to undergo a VA audio examination for clarification.

The Board found that the veteran's current right ear hearing loss and bilateral tinnitus are as likely as not due to noise exposure in service, including during combat. As a result, the claim for service connection was granted.

The Board found that the veteran's hearing loss disability was not incurred in or aggravated by service and denied his claim. The perforated eardrum disability is considered a direct service connection as there is no evidence of chronicity or aggravation during service.

The VA determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not warrant a rating higher than 10 percent, as his hearing impairment is currently rated at Level II in the right ear and Level IX in the left ear. The current rating of 10 percent reflects the severity of his hearing loss.