Hearing loss decisions — 2010

The Board has determined that service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability is denied, but has granted service connection for tinnitus.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 were denied, with the exception of his claim for chemical asthma disorder which was also denied.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss have been denied as the current ratings are deemed to be the maximum allowable under VA regulations.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection and evaluation of his right ear hearing loss disability, as well as his PTSD. The Board found that there was no evidence of a current hearing loss disability in the right ear as defined by VA standards. For the left ear, the Board noted that while the appellant had hearing loss, it did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation under VA's rating schedule.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The claim to reopen the low back and leg pain condition was not granted due to lack of new and material evidence. Service connection for right ear hearing loss, tinnitus, and diabetes mellitus (claimed as due to herbicide exposure) were also denied.

The Veteran's tinnitus is not related to active service. The criteria for an initial rating greater than 70 percent for PTSD with major depressive disorder have not been met, and the criteria for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss have not been met.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete records and further review.

The Board has determined that the reduction of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss rating from 90 percent to 50 percent is proper and restoration of a higher rating is not warranted.

The Board found that the Veteran's tinnitus and left ear hearing loss were not incurred or aggravated by service. The evidence did not support a finding of in-service noise exposure, and there was no medical opinion linking the current conditions to service.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is noncompensably disabling and denied his claim for a compensable rating.

The Board has ordered the RO to obtain SSA records and readjudicate the claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The appellant's request is to reopen his previously denied claim, which requires new and material evidence.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The evidence submitted does not relate these conditions to his military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for an additional VA audiology opinion regarding the Veteran's service connection claim for bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and treatment records, as well as a VR&E folder. The claim will be readjudicated based on all evidence.

The Board has remanded the claims due to the need for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration (SSA) records.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining treatment records and providing a VA examination to determine if the Veteran has current hearing loss or tinnitus that is related to his military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus did not meet the criteria for service connection as they were not shown to have been incurred or aggravated by his active military service, including exposure to loud noise. The evidence does not establish a nexus between current hearing loss disability and in-service noise exposure.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus, finding that the current disabilities are not related to service. Service connection was granted for PTSD.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus can be decided on the merits.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection and initial evaluations for his claimed conditions, including chronic headaches, left ear hearing loss, low back disorder, and right ear hearing loss.