Hearing loss decisions — 2009

The Veteran's gastrointestinal complaints, bilateral hearing loss, and lumbar spine disability are found to be related to his service. The Board granted the Veteran's claims for these conditions.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is manifested by hearing impairment corresponding to auditory acuity level VI in the right ear and level I in the left ear, resulting in a noncompensable rating.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. His hearing loss was found not to warrant a compensable rating, and his claims for sinusitis and skin cancer were denied as there is no current diagnosis of these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD with depression) and denied service connection for an ear disability (bilateral hearing loss). The Veteran's PTSD is linked to a verified in-service stressor, while his bilateral hearing loss did not manifest during or within one year after service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus disabilities are related to his active service, with noise exposure during service being a contributing factor.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss prior to March 16, 2007 was denied. The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for the service-connected bilateral hearing loss beginning on March 16, 2007 was also denied.

The Veteran's claim for specially adapted housing was denied as his service-connected disabilities do not meet the specified criteria for issuance of a certificate of eligibility.

The Veteran's death was service-connected due to his diabetes mellitus, but the appellant is not entitled to increased DIC benefits or accrued benefits as her claim for these benefits is denied.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and right ankle condition were not found to be directly related to his military service, and the claims for service connection were denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (bilateral hearing loss and PTSD) are found to be so severe that they render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, consistent with his education and industrial background.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and TDIU was denied as there is no evidence of current impaired hearing in either ear or a service-connected disability that precludes the Veteran from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as the appellant withdrew their appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that it does not warrant a higher rating based on current evidence.

The Veteran's claimed residuals of a fractured nose are not shown to be related to service.,His hearing loss disability is not shown to have originated in service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis A has been denied as there is no current diagnosis of the condition. The issue of service connection for right ear hearing loss remains pending.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and a right ankle sprain, as well as his claim for PTSD. The decision also noted that the issue of service connection for a psychiatric disorder was recharacterized to include PTSD.

The Board found that the Veteran's chronic sinus disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and low back disorder were not incurred in or aggravated by active service. The Board also found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation for recurrent left ankle sprain.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of shell fragment wounds of the head was denied as there were no residuals found during or after service. The claim for bilateral hearing loss disability is pending and will be addressed in a separate decision.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's illness, and a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the Regional Office is scheduled.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for clarification of his service dates and further development of his PTSD and hearing loss claims.