Hearing loss decisions — 2009

The Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus were aggravated during his active service, warranting service connection for these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for separate 10 percent ratings for tinnitus in each ear and an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, finding no legal basis for such ratings given the current maximum schedular evaluations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to insufficient evidence regarding his hearing loss and tinnitus, including a lack of adequate medical opinion on their etiology. The Veteran needs to undergo another VA examination to determine if his current hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service.

The Veteran's representative requested a videoconference hearing, but the Veteran may have been confused or frustrated due to incorrect communication from the RO. The Board is requesting clarification on whether the Veteran still wants a videoconference hearing and scheduling it if desired.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and bilateral tinnitus were denied as there was no verified in-service stressor for PTSD, no evidence of noise exposure related to service for hearing loss or tinnitus, and insufficient medical evidence linking the current conditions to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred or aggravated by active service, and thus denied his claims for service connection.

The Veteran's hypertension is service-connected as secondary to PTSD. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been established, and the Veteran's right knee conditions have initial ratings of 10 percent each.

The Veteran withdrew his claims for bilateral hearing loss, neuropathy of the right upper extremity, and neuropathy of the left upper extremity. The claim for special monthly pension was also withdrawn.,PTSD was not diagnosed in service or post-service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is currently rated as noncompensable, with the most severe hearing acuity levels being Level II in both ears.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, left hip disability, right knee disability, and migraine headaches are denied. The claim for PTSD is granted with a 30% evaluation effective from March 14, 2007.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have PTSD, and his psychological disorder other than PTSD was not incurred in or aggravated by service. Bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were also not found to be related to service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and his request for a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability due to service connected disorders. The Veteran disagrees with these decisions and must be provided an opportunity to submit a substantive appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is attributable to service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus did not manifest during or as a result of his military service, and therefore denied both claims.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss and finds that it is warranted due to aggravation during service. The Veteran's pre-existing hearing loss was aggravated in his left ear, warranting service connection.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and VA treatment records. A VA examination is also needed to determine the nature and etiology of his current headaches and dizziness.

The Board found no evidence linking the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus to his military service, including noise exposure. The claims for service connection were denied.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for additional VA audiological examinations and consideration of new medical evidence.

The Veteran's hearing loss is rated at 100 percent, the highest possible rating under VA regulations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is incurred in service and grants service connection for this condition.