Hearing loss decisions — 2010

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is manifested by hearing impairment corresponding to auditory acuity level II in the right ear and level II in the left ear, which does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance or housebound status, nor does he meet the requirements for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for additional National Guard records and a medical opinion regarding noise exposure during active duty.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to issues regarding service connection for tinnitus and a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's request for a videoconference hearing.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient examination and new claims raised by the Veteran.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied as there is not sufficient evidence to establish a current disability or its etiology related to his military service.

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

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hearing loss disability does not warrant a compensable rating, and his claims for service connection of sinusitis, bilateral knee disorder, and back disorder are denied.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for stapedectomies of the right ear with dizzy spells and bilateral hearing loss were denied as his conditions did not warrant a rating in excess of the initial assigned evaluations.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance or being housebound was denied as his service-connected hearing loss did not render him in need of regular aid and assistance, and he is not legally blind. The decision also noted that his dementia, depression, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and colitis are the primary reasons for his need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been granted as direct service connection is established.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his hearing loss, tinnitus, sleep disorder, and psychological symptoms. The claims will be readjudicated after all development has been completed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus did not have their onset during service or are otherwise related to his military service, thus denying both claims.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred in or aggravated by service, but granted service connection for tinnitus due to reasonable doubt as to its onset during active military service.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the Veteran's service connection claims for PTSD and bilateral hearing loss. The case will be returned to the RO for this purpose.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, an initial evaluation in excess of 70 percent for PTSD, and initial compensable evaluations for left jaw line scar, right lower extremity scar, and left lower extremity scar.