Hearing loss decisions — 2010

The Veteran's claim for an extraschedular evaluation for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss disability was denied by the Board. The evidence did not demonstrate exceptional or unusual circumstances that would render impractical the application of the regular schedular standards.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss claim is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability meeting VA compensation criteria. The Veteran's frostbite injuries to the hands and feet are granted as incurred in active duty due to exposure to cold weather.

The Board denied the Veteran's motion to revise or reverse the May 2007 decision, finding that there was no clear and unmistakable error in denying an earlier effective date for his service-connected hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral foot disorder and bilateral hearing loss are related to his military service, with reasonable doubt resolved in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were denied as new and material evidence was not submitted. The claim for PTSD reduction from 50% to 30% was also denied.

The Board has denied the appellant's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability is denied as there is no competent evidence of a current disability. Claims for right ankle, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus disabilities are pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of bilateral hearing loss or tinnitus as defined by VA regulations. Therefore, service connection for these conditions cannot be granted.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to insufficient information regarding his employability and the impact of his service-connected hearing disabilities on his ability to work.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is withdrawn. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not meet or approximate the criteria for a compensable rating under VA disability evaluation guidelines.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are due to events in service, warranting their grant of service connection.

The Board found no evidence of hearing loss during service or within one year after separation, and the September 2006 VA examination did not show left ear hearing loss. The Veteran's lay statements were outweighed by the findings provided by the VA examiner who discussed his symptoms, complaints, and manifestations.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete service personnel records and missing in-service treatment records. The Veteran's period of Army National Guard service must be verified, as well as any ACDUTRA periods where he may have been exposed to noise. Additionally, a VA audiological examination is needed to determine if his current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to military service, including possible exposure during ACDUTRA.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected bilateral hearing loss disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to potential issues with obtaining service treatment records, as well as the need for additional medical examination.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a ratable hearing loss disability under VA standards and denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's tinnitus was also denied as there is no evidence of current disability meeting VA criteria.

The Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal regarding the issue of service connection for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss.

The Board has found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is of service origin and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for bilateral hearing loss as new and material evidence was not received.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of ear infections, including bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, is being remanded due to the need for further action by the RO.