Hearing loss decisions — 2010

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for his bilateral hearing loss and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities. The Veteran was rated at 40% for his bilateral hearing loss, which met the criteria for exceptional patterns of hearing impairment in one ear. However, he did not meet the requirements for TDIU as his combined ratings were less than 70%. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The appellant's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is attributable to his service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred or aggravated by service, as there was no evidence of chronic conditions during service or within one year after separation. The VA examinations did not establish a link between his current disabilities and service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently manifested by level I hearing in both ears, which does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation under VA rating criteria.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, right hip disability, and left hip disability were denied. The claim for increased rating for left knee sprain was also denied.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is manifested by a pure tone threshold average of 48 decibels in both ears, resulting in a noncompensable rating. The appeal is denied as the evidence does not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination and review of outstanding medical records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to incomplete service medical records and the need for additional examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is related to his in-service noise exposure and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his active service, and denied both claims.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including scheduling a VA ENT and audiology examination. The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, emphysema, and benign brain cyst with neuropathy of the lower extremities. The claim for costochondritis was granted but not increased beyond 10 percent. Claims for patellofemoral pain syndrome and synovitis of both knees were also denied.

The Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss was not incurred in or aggravated by his active service. The Board found that the Veteran had pre-existing high frequency hearing loss before entering service and did not find any aggravation during service.

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

The Board finds that the preponderance of the evidence is against a finding of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus as related to active service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for coronary artery disease and bilateral hearing loss, finding no new and material evidence to reopen his previous denial. The Veteran's hearing loss was found not related to military service.

The appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant or his authorized representative.

The Veteran's request for a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge has been advanced, and the RO is instructed to schedule a Travel Board hearing at the earliest available opportunity. The case will be returned to the Board after the hearing.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability was initially rated at 20 percent prior to November 3, 2009 and increased to 40 percent from that date. The Board found the evidence did not support a higher rating for either period.