Hearing loss decisions — 2010

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss was rated at 10 percent effective April 17, 2009. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating prior to this date.

The Board has remanded the case due to a hearing not being held and other procedural issues.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not warrant a compensable rating under the applicable diagnostic code.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for metabolic syndrome, bilateral hearing loss, gout, arthritis, rhinitis, and hypertension. The claim for PTSD was granted with a 10 percent evaluation effective July 23, 2004.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and a back disability. The Veteran was exposed to combat-related stressors during his deployment in Saudi Arabia. His claims are granted as new and material evidence has been submitted. A 100% evaluation is assigned for CFS.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied by operation of law as he does not meet the criteria for a disability under VA regulations. The claim for an increased rating for tinnitus in excess of 10 percent evaluation is denied, and there is no legal basis for assigning separate schedular 10 percent disability ratings for bilateral tinnitus. The Veteran's claim for initial compensable rating for lumbar strain remains pending.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss and bilateral tinnitus. This includes obtaining VA medical records, scheduling a VA examination, and considering whether any current conditions are related to military service or other factors.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, and the Board is now ready to address the merits of his claims. However, further evidence and development are needed before these issues can be decided.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability reasonably contributed to his death from atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The appeal for DIC under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 is dismissed as no justiciable case or controversy remains.

The Veteran's current left knee disability was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service, and is therefore denied. The Board finds the evidence does not support a finding that his bilateral hearing loss or tinnitus are related to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining service personnel records and a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his bone and joint pain, hearing loss, and tinnitus.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there was no evidence of current disability meeting VA criteria.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus must be remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining relevant medical records and arranging for an audiological examination.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are at least as likely as not related to in-service noise exposure.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service and may not be presumed to have been incurred therein. The claim for tinnitus is remanded as it involves a separate issue.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities require regular aid and attendance, warranting special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to address the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and whether it is related to service exposure.

The Board denied service connection for ulcers and arthritis, but granted increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and hypertension. The Veteran's appendectomy scar was rated at the minimum compensable level.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's low back disability, finding that it is related to his active military service. The claim of entitlement to a compensable evaluation for right ear hearing loss was denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his military service, including noise exposure.