Hearing loss decisions — 2010

The Veteran's initial compensable schedular rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied, and his request for an extra-schedular rating remains pending.

The Board found that the Veteran's current ear problems (bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus) and organic brain disease were not incurred in or aggravated by his active service.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his bilateral hearing loss was granted, with the effective date set at October 19, 2006. The RO increased the disability rating to 20 percent disabling since December 29, 2009.

The Board found that the Veteran's current hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his military service, as there is no evidence of such conditions during or within one year after separation from active duty. The VA examination did not support a link between the Veteran's current hearing loss and tinnitus and noise exposure in service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left ear hearing loss, right knee disorder, and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD. The evidence did not show a current disability as defined by VA standards.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, migraine headaches, heart disease, residuals of a stroke, and lumbar spine disability are not supported by competent evidence. The preponderance of the evidence is against finding an in-service injury or event that would support these claims.

The Veteran's initial claim for a compensable rating for cervical spondylosis was denied. Service connection for low back, right shoulder, and eye disorders were also denied. Tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss were not related to service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are found to be related to noise exposure during service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to outstanding treatment records and an inadequate VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss has been evaluated as non-compensable throughout the appeal period. The Board finds that an increased rating is not warranted for the service-connected hearing loss at any time during the appeal period.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for a current VA medical examination and additional audiometric testing. The propriety of reducing his disability rating from 10 percent to non-compensable effective February 1, 2008, remains deferred pending further adjudication.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to service, and thus denied both claims.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The May 2008 VA examination found moderate sloping to profound bilateral hearing loss, but concluded that these disabilities were less likely than not related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded for further development, including obtaining his service personnel records and scheduling him for VA examinations to assess the nature, extent, onset, and etiology of his claimed conditions. The claims will also be considered under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. § 1117 and 38 C.F.R. § 3.317 for Persian Gulf War service.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for bilateral hearing loss and service connection for tinnitus were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support an increased evaluation or service connection.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is likely caused by in-service noise exposure and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have rendered him unemployable, meeting the criteria for a TDIU rating.

The Board denied service connection for a hearing loss disability, finding that the Veteran did not have a current hearing loss disability and that any in-service noise exposure was not related to his current condition.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is found to be incurred in service, and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that his current hearing disability was not incurred in or aggravated by service and that there is no evidence of noise exposure during active duty. The Board also noted that the Veteran had a history of hearing problems since discharge from service.