Hearing loss decisions — 2010

The Veteran's initial service connection for bilateral hearing loss was granted with a noncompensable rating effective April 25, 2007. The RO increased the rating to 10 percent effective February 5, 2009, and to 20 percent effective January 6, 2010. The Veteran's appeal is denied as his claims for higher ratings are not supported by the evidence of record.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the appellant's claimed bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as whether these conditions are related to service. The case will be remanded for this purpose.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records and providing the Veteran with a VA examination to determine if his current disabilities are related to service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and a separate rating for multiple noncompensable service-connected disabilities have been granted. He is now rated at 10 percent for chronic sinusitis, with no higher initial rating allowed. His left ear hearing loss has also been granted service connection, but he does not meet the criteria for an initial compensable rating. The Veteran's cervical spine and ankle conditions are each rated at 10 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including scheduling VA examinations and readjudicating the claims.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an increased disability evaluation for Meniere's syndrome with bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and dizziness. The RO had previously granted a 30 percent rating for Meniere's syndrome in December 1976.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was evaluated at a 10 percent rating prior to November 6, 2008.,Effective from November 6, 2008, the Veteran is entitled to a 20 percent evaluation for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus) are found to render him unemployable due to his PTSD symptoms, which make it very difficult for him to acquire or maintain gainful employment. As a result, the Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, a neck condition, and bilateral hearing loss disability. The claim for reopening of the neck condition was also denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss should be remanded to allow for additional development, including a VA examination.

The VA determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is not related to his military service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete service records and the need for VA examinations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for further development, including obtaining his personnel file and scheduling VA examinations.

The Board finds that service connection for bilateral hearing loss is warranted due to the evidence being at least in relative equipoise regarding whether the current disability is attributable to service, including conceded noise exposure during service.

The Board has determined that further development is needed before the claims for service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus can be decided.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current hearing loss disability in his right ear for VA purposes, and therefore cannot establish service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA audiological examination to determine the current severity of his bilateral hearing loss. The case will be adjudicated again after this development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was not caused by any service-connected condition, and thus denied the Appellant's claim for DIC benefits. The case is now remanded to obtain a medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's PTSD contributed to his death.

The Board has remanded the case for further action, including scheduling a hearing at the New York RO.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was incurred in, or caused by, his active service and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.