Hearing loss decisions — 2010

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus has been denied. The initial rating for bilateral hearing loss is still noncompensable, while the initial rating for tinnitus remains at 10 percent.

The Board denied a compensable rating for the Veteran's service-connected left ear hearing loss, finding that his hearing impairment did not warrant such a rating based on VA audiological evaluations conducted in January and July 2009.

The Veteran's initial claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss from May 31, 2007 to May 21, 2010 was granted. From May 22, 2010 forward, the Veteran is assigned a 10 percent disability rating for his bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss was denied as the evidence did not support a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for any of the requested increased ratings.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current disabilities are at least as likely as not related to in-service noise exposure. The initial rating for residuals of left ankle strain remains unchanged.

The Board found that the Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, but it is at least in equipoise whether VA care contributed to his death. The claim for DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 is granted.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, including obtaining VA medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to an initial compensable rating for service-connected bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and updated VA treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination of his service-connected bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's perforated right ear drum and its residuals are related to active military service, granting service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The Board also found that the Veteran's pre-existing hearing loss was aggravated by his active service, resulting in a current disability.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to incomplete evidence and need for further examination. The Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus are being reviewed, but additional private medical records from Dr. Navarro must be obtained.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation due to need for aid and assistance/housebound or specially adapted housing. The claim for assistance in acquiring automobile and adaptive equipment or adaptive equipment only is also denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated audiometric test results and a VA audiological examination to assess the Veteran's hearing loss.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is currently rated at 10 percent, the maximum rating authorized under Diagnostic Code 6100. The Veteran's service-connected tinnitus is also assigned a 10 percent rating, as it is already at its highest possible evaluation under Diagnostic Code 6260.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability was aggravated during his active service. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a left ear hearing loss, initial compensable evaluation for HTN prior to January 26, 1999, and initial evaluations in excess of 10 percent for left foot stress fracture injury residuals, left ankle fracture injury residuals, and residual lacerations of the third and fourth fingers of the left hand were denied. The Veteran does not have a current hearing loss disability for VA purposes.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and headaches, but denied both conditions as not related to active service.

The Board has dismissed the appeal because no Substantive Appeal was filed within the required time frame.