Hearing loss decisions — 2009

The Board denied a compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss as the evidence did not show an exceptional disability picture or marked interference with employment due to the condition.

The Veteran's hearing acuity was not worse than Level II in either ear, and therefore a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his military service, including noise exposure. As a result, the claims for service connection were denied.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated as noncompensable under the VA rating criteria, and the Board finds that there are no clinical findings to show that his hearing loss meets the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board has reopened the claim and determined that there is sufficient evidence to establish service connection for bilateral hearing loss, attributing it to in-service noise exposure. The Veteran's current hearing loss disability meets VA criteria for a disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is at least as likely as not related to his in-service noise exposure, and service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran seeks service connection for bilateral hearing loss, which he claims was caused by exposure to loud noise during his active duty training. The case is being remanded for further examination and determination of the onset and cause of the Veteran's hearing loss.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss and service connection for left ear pain, finding that his overall bilateral hearing acuity did not warrant a higher evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and anxiety disorder are not related to his service. The evidence does not support a finding of in-service injury or disease for these conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss had improved and reduced his rating from 50% to 20%, effective November 1, 2003.

The Veteran is seeking a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities, but the case has been remanded for additional medical examination to determine if these conditions alone are sufficient to prevent him from pursuing substantially gainful employment.

The Board found that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection of bilateral hearing loss, which was denied in July 2002. The decision is denied.

The Veteran's appeal for disability ratings for his service connected right ear hearing loss, residuals of the left inguinal hernia repair, and hemorrhoids was denied.

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

The Veteran's hearing loss, tinnitus, and right knee disability are all found to be service-connected.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and initial ratings have been denied. The Board found no evidence of a chronic right knee disability, ulcers, or PTSD due to personal assault. The Veteran's hemorrhoids are not manifested by persistent bleeding, anemia, fissures, nor are they large or thrombotic.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current hearing loss disability as defined by VA regulations, and therefore, new and material evidence has not been presented to reopen her claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability and concluding that it is less likely than not related to service.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted.