Hearing loss decisions — 2009

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluation of hypertension, service connection for bilateral hearing loss, hiatal hernia, and cervical spine disability were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support an increase in evaluation or service connection for any of these conditions.

The VA determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss was not incurred or aggravated by his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus did not manifest within one year of separation from service, and there is no evidence linking these conditions to his active service. Therefore, the claims for service connection are denied.

The Board has determined that the current audiometric evaluations are not adequate for rating purposes due to inconsistent test results and functional overlay, and has ordered further examination.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination to determine if he has PTSD related to an in-service stressor. The appeal will be remanded for these actions.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus do not prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has dismissed the issue of entitlement to service connection for hypertensive vascular disease. The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is not related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, and thus he is denied this claim. However, the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was incurred in service and is granted service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of a perforated left eardrum and bilateral hearing loss are not rated higher than noncompensable.,Service connection for hepatitis C, PTSD, and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD is denied.

The VA has determined that there is no evidence of current bilateral hearing loss or tinnitus, and thus cannot grant service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss was granted effective March 23, 2005. The Board found that an earlier effective date is not warranted.

The Board found no credible evidence of an in-service stressor for PTSD, and the Veteran does not have bilateral hearing loss disability for VA purposes or tinnitus. Therefore, service connection is denied.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has not been shown to warrant a compensable rating, and the appeal is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is related to his military service, specifically due to noise exposure during his time in the Marines. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Board found that the veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred in or aggravated by active duty service. The evidence did not establish a link between his current conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, as his other nonservice-connected conditions and work experience make it possible for him to find another means of employment.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete service records and the need for a VA examination.

The Board found that the Veteran's left ear hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred or aggravated by service, nor could they be presumed to have been incurred due to exposure during service. The right ear hearing loss was currently manifested but did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The VA determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss did not originate during service or due to noise exposure, and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the lack of clinical evidence with which to evaluate the disability. The Veteran was scheduled for an audiological examination in April 2008, but failed to report. A new VA audiological examination is required, and the Veteran will be given another opportunity to report. Additionally, Vazquez-Flores notice must be provided.