Hearing loss decisions — 2010

The Veteran's claims for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus were denied as there was no evidence of in-service incurrence or aggravation, and the current conditions are not related to service. The spine and knee issues remain pending.

The Veteran's request for service connection for hearing loss has been remanded due to his inability to attend the scheduled Board hearing in Washington, DC. A Travel Board hearing will be held at the RO in New Mexico.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's claimed bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service, specifically in-service acoustic trauma. The case will be remanded for this purpose.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, bilateral tinnitus, a chronic disorder manifested by low back pain, and hypertension. The evidence does not support a finding that any of these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran withdrew from appeal the claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss. The case is remanded for further development regarding the claim of entitlement to a rating in excess of 10 percent for carpal tunnel syndrome, right hand.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss is currently evaluated as noncompensable, but the evidence does not support a higher rating. The claim of service connection for mycotic toenails, calluses and corns, to include as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected dermatophytosis of the feet, has been reopened due to new and material evidence being received.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and right knee disorder were denied service connection, with the Board finding that there was no evidence of a nexus to service. The Veteran's current rating for his right knee disorder is also denied.

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

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his active duty service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service, including exposure to noise during active duty.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD. The Veteran's bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus claims are addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining treatment records and providing the Veteran with a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is granted. The Board finds that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's current hearing loss was caused by service, including significant noise exposure during her military career.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss and assigned a noncompensable disability rating. The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable disability rating for left ear hearing loss is remanded, as well as his TDIU claim.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and medical opinion regarding his ability to secure and follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 as it is not legally meritorious due to the Veteran dying more than 5 years following his separation from active service and was not receiving or entitled to receive compensation at a 100 percent rate for the required period.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate VCAA notice, and will proceed with further development.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on the right ankle, bilateral hearing loss, and laceration of the left palm have been withdrawn. The remaining issues are dismissed due to lack of evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations to determine the etiology of his claimed hearing loss and shoulder disorders.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lung condition is service-connected due to asbestos exposure, and his bilateral hearing loss and back disability are rated appropriately.