Hearing loss decisions — 2009

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating prior to December 20, 2004 was denied as his hearing loss did not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent. The claim for a higher rating from September 19, 2008 remains pending.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is not related to his active service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to properly adjudicate the appellant's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a psychiatric disorder. This includes obtaining all relevant medical records, including those from his military service, as well as any private treatment he may have received.

The Board has determined that a new examination is necessary to determine the current nature and etiology of the Veteran's hearing loss, which may be related to active service. The case will be remanded for this purpose.

The Board found that the preponderance of evidence is against the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, as there was no in-service diagnosis or manifestation of a hearing loss disability and no showing of continuity of symptomatology after discharge. The examiner opined that the bilateral hearing loss is less likely related to military noise exposure.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities was granted effective January 18, 2005.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his bilateral hearing loss, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating.

The VA determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not warrant a compensable rating based on the audiometric test results provided.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied as there is no indication of hearing loss during or within one year after his discharge, and the evidence does not support a finding that it is related to his military service.

The Board denied a compensable evaluation for the Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds no evidence to warrant a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the October 30, 2008 decision denying service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus is vacated due to the submission of additional evidence after the decision was issued.

The Veteran's hearing loss is rated at 90 percent since April 21, 2009. The claim for TDIU has been granted.

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for his service-connected disabilities, including hypertension and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, was denied. The RO granted service connection for hypertension but did not assign a compensable rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations and obtaining additional medical records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of the claims, including consideration of new medical evidence.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal on the issues of service connection for a left leg condition, right leg condition and increased rating for right 5th finger fracture has been withdrawn. Service connection is granted for bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for type 2 diabetes mellitus has been withdrawn. The remaining issues of service connection for asbestos-related lung disability, hearing loss, and tinnitus are addressed in the REMAND portion.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral eye disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to service.