Hearing loss decisions — 2009

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable. The Board finds that the current level of disability does not warrant a compensable initial disability rating.

The Board finds that the Veteran's bilateral ear disability, claimed as bilateral hearing loss, was not incurred during active duty service and is not otherwise related to such service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was rated as noncompensable (0 percent) from April 15, 2005 to August 28, 2008 and increased to 30 percent since August 29, 2008.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the schedular criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU). His combined evaluation is 50 percent, which does not meet the required percentage under VA regulations.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the nature and etiology of his right hip condition, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not found to be related to service, and his PTSD did not result in total occupational or social impairment. Therefore, the claims for these conditions were denied.

The Board finds that it is in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's right ear hearing loss is related to noise exposure in the military. Resolving reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor, right ear hearing loss was incurred in service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and recurrent tinnitus are not related to his active service, and thus denied both claims for service connection.

The VA denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there is no evidence of a relationship between his current conditions and his military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his military service, as there was no evidence of a chronic disability during or within one year after service. The VA audiologist concluded that the Veteran's current hearing loss is unrelated to service.

The Veteran's increased rating claims for bilateral hearing loss and adenocarcinoma of the right lung, status post resection were denied as his conditions did not warrant a higher disability rating under VA regulations.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a videoconference hearing before a Veterans Law Judge (VLJ). The issues of service connection for various conditions are pending.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is found to be related to his in-service noise exposure, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for patellofemoral pain syndrome of the left knee is granted. The claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are dismissed due to withdrawal by the Veteran.

The Veteran's hearing loss is not service-connected as it cannot be medically attributed to any injury, disease or event during active military service. The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that his current hearing loss is related to in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran seeks service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The Board has determined that a new VA examination is needed to determine the etiology of any diagnosed conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's conditions had their onset during active service.

The Board found that the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied in November 1986 due to pre-existing high frequency hearing loss at entry into service, and no aggravation during service. The appeal was withdrawn by the Veteran in January 1988.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss were denied. The claim for a lung disorder, claimed as asbestosis, was also denied due to lack of evidence linking the condition to service exposure.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.