Hearing loss decisions — 2009

The Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy, bilateral hearing loss with otitis externa, disseminated coccidoidomycosis, and ureterolithiasis were denied. The decision also noted that the Veteran does not have a disability manifested by peripheral neuropathy resulting from his military service or exposure to Agent Orange herbicides.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for scheduling a Travel Board hearing on the issue of SMC based on the need for aid and attendance of another. The other issues remain pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for flat feet, hearing loss, and erectile dysfunction were denied. The claim for a skin disorder was also denied as it is not related to in-service herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased disability rating for a low back disability was withdrawn by the Veteran. The case is remanded to schedule a Travel Board hearing at the RO in St. Petersburg, Florida.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for a neck disorder and an ear disorder, including bilateral hearing loss. However, the evidence does not support a finding of service connection based on active duty service or any other theory.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for the residuals of a head injury (concussion) was denied. The Board found that there is no evidence of chronic neurological disability attributable to a concussive head injury during service, and thus denied this claim. The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss remains pending.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred or aggravated by active service, nor may they be presumed to have been so incurred or aggravated.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss disability was denied as there is no current evidence of a hearing loss disability for VA purposes.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred in or aggravated by service, nor may incurrence of an organic disease of the nervous system (sensorineural hearing loss) be presumed. The evidence did not show a current disability within one year following separation from ADT.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service, including exposure to acoustic trauma during combat in Vietnam. As such, the claims for service connection have been granted.

The Veteran is seeking a higher disability rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss, which he claims makes him unable to maintain employment. The case is being remanded due to the need for additional development including obtaining SSA records and scheduling the Veteran for another VA audiological examination.

The Veteran's hearing loss in the right ear is rated as noncompensable, and his left eyebrow scar with associated hearing impairment does not meet criteria for a compensable rating. The Board finds that neither condition warrants an initial compensable evaluation.

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

The Veteran's appeal was denied for an increased rating for right ear hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's failure to report for a VA examination and requests that he be scheduled for one. The examiner should determine if his current hearing loss and tinnitus are related to service, including noise exposure during service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and initial rating of PTSD, as well as his claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The claims are to be considered in light of all pertinent evidence and legal authority, including whether staged ratings should be applied.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to incomplete clinical records and the need for a VA medical opinion regarding whether he suffered additional disability as a result of the July 2003 surgery, and if so, whether it was caused by carelessness or negligence.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right ear hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that these conditions are likely due to acoustic trauma exposure during service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left ear sensorineural hearing loss does not warrant a compensable evaluation, as it results in no more than Level VII-IX hearing loss.

The Board denied the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that no new and material evidence had been submitted since the 1992 rating decision.