Hearing loss decisions — 2008

The veteran's claims for increased hearing loss and reopening a right knee condition claim are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence, including SSA records and an audiological examination.

The veteran seeks increased ratings for his bilateral hearing loss, which is currently rated at 40 percent effective as of February 5, 2007. The RO must provide the veteran with proper notice and obtain an interpreted audiologic evaluation report to determine if he meets the criteria for a higher rating.

The veteran seeks service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The VA has remanded the case due to unclear audiometric findings and a need for a VA examination to determine the etiology of any hearing loss found.

The Board has denied an initial disability rating in excess of 20% for bilateral hearing loss as the evidence does not support a higher evaluation.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there is no evidence of a chronic condition in service and rejecting any causal relationship between current disabilities and military noise exposure.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have bilateral hearing loss related to service and denied his claim for service connection. The cardiovascular disability and residuals of an injury to the left index finger claims are pending.

The Board has found that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss warrants a rating of 30 percent before January 24, 2008. The case is now remanded for further development to determine if a higher rating is warranted from January 24, 2008.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for service connection and a higher evaluation for tinnitus. The claim for an earlier effective date was denied as there is no evidence of a formal or informal claim filed before August 27, 2001. The claim for a separate evaluation for each ear of tinnitus was also denied as the rating criteria do not allow for such a division.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss and PTSD, as well as his claim for a TDIU. The decision found that there was no evidence of current hearing loss disability meeting VA criteria or showing it to be related to service. For PTSD, while severe, it did not meet the criteria for a 70% evaluation. However, due to multiple service-connected disabilities, he is considered unemployable.

The Board is requesting a further medical opinion to determine if the veteran's current right ear hearing loss is related to his service in the Marine Corps Reserve, which led to the grant of left ear hearing loss.

The VA has determined that the veteran's left ear hearing loss does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation under the applicable rating schedule.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his cervical spine surgery, have resulted in a permanent loss of use of both lower extremities and require the use of braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair for mobility. The Board finds that he meets the criteria for specially adapted housing assistance.

The VA determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating, as it only results in Level III hearing impairment in both ears.

The Board found no evidence of a current disability, and the preponderance of the evidence is against a finding that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is related to his service or to any event therein.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the veteran's current hearing loss disability. The veteran will be provided with an appropriate audiological examination and any other necessary medical development.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current hearing loss or tinnitus disability for which service connection may be granted. Additionally, there is no evidence of hypertension in service and it was not shown to be related to service.

The veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disorder and bilateral hearing loss are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and records.

The VA determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not warrant a disability rating higher than 10 percent.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected bilateral hearing loss and compliance with Vazquez-Flores requirements.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have current disabilities for hearing loss, tinnitus, or perforated tympanic membrane and its residuals. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.