Hearing loss decisions — 2009

The Veteran has been objectively shown to be in need of the regular aid and attendance of another individual, warranting special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board found that the Veteran does not currently have a hearing loss disability and denied service connection for this condition. The claim of service connection for pes planus is addressed in the REMAND portion of the decision.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied, but his claim for tinnitus is granted.

Your appeal is being remanded because you requested a videoconference hearing, which has not been scheduled. You will be given the opportunity to appear before a Veterans Law Judge at the RO.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there is no medical evidence establishing a nexus between current disabilities and service.

The Veteran's request for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus was denied as the maximum schedular evaluation of 10 percent is already assigned.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's extensive noise exposure during service is a plausible causal factor for his current hearing impairment and ringing in the ears.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus. The evidence shows that the Veteran currently suffers from bilateral high frequency sensorineural hearing loss, which is likely related to his military noise exposure. Tinnitus was also found to be related to service. Therefore, both conditions are granted as service connected.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is now rated at 30 percent, reflecting the severity of his condition as determined by recent VA examination. The issue of tinnitus was withdrawn prior to a decision.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss was denied as the evidence did not show distinct time periods where the Veteran's disability exhibited symptoms that would warrant different ratings.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is likely attributable to noise exposure during his military service, and the Board finds that it is more likely than not related to his time in the military.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss was denied as she did not have a current disability. The claims for the other conditions were also denied due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to her military service.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for right ear hearing loss was denied, and his claim for service connection for basal cell carcinoma of the left shoulder was also denied. The Board found that there is no evidence to support a link between the Veteran's current condition and his active duty service.

The Veteran's service connection claim for bilateral hearing loss was denied as there is no evidence of a current disability resulting from in-service noise exposure.

The Board finds that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is not related to noise exposure during service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability was initially rated at 10 percent from November 4, 2005 to May 31, 2008. After a VA examination on May 31, 2008, the rating was increased to 20 percent effective March 5, 2008.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service, with all reasonable doubt resolved in favor of the Veteran.

The VA determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not warrant a rating higher than 10 percent, as his current level of hearing impairment is only at Level II on both ears.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back disability, residuals of a crush injury (including broken left leg and left ankle), bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus were not incurred in or related to his active service.

The Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is not related to service, including noise exposure in Vietnam. The Board finds that the weight of evidence does not support a finding of service connection for this condition.