Hearing loss decisions — 2010

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred or aggravated by service, as there is no evidence of a current disability. The VA examiner concluded it was less likely than not that the Veteran's hearing loss was related to in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for further audiometric testing and a determination of etiology.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development due to the need for a VA examination and consideration of new evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is evaluated as noncompensably disabling, and the claim for an increased rating is denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, low back disorder, headache disorder, left shoulder disorder, and left knee disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records.

The Veteran's service-connected hearing loss and tinnitus have been rated appropriately, with the highest possible rating for each condition. The Board finds no legal basis to grant a higher rating or separate ratings.

The Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining treatment records and scheduling a VA audiological evaluation.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available for this condition.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, erectile dysfunction, and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his active military service.

The VA determined that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss is not related to his military service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is manifested by Level I hearing acuity, which results in a noncompensable evaluation. The Board finds that the current rating adequately reflects the severity of the disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss was aggravated by service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition. However, there is no current left ear hearing loss disability for VA purposes, so the claim for service connection in this regard is denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and residuals right wrist fracture. The claim for skin lesions is REMANDED due to insufficient competent medical evidence.

The appellant's service-connected disabilities, including cold injuries and hearing loss, do not render him unemployable as he is capable of performing sedentary employment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Board has granted the Veteran's request for a fee basis medical identification card, as he is seeking treatment for service-connected disabilities. The issue of an earlier effective date for TDIU remains pending and will be remanded to the RO.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus were denied. The appeal regarding the severance of a separate rating for left ankle arthritis was granted, as it was found to be clearly and unmistakably erroneous. The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left ankle fracture residuals and right knee medial meniscus tear were also denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to the need for additional development and consideration of his TDIU claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and missing records. The Veteran's hearing loss and back condition will need further evaluation.

The Board has determined that the effective dates for the awards of compensable ratings for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus cannot be earlier than February 4, 2004 and February 4, 2003 respectively.