Hearing loss decisions — 2011

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for certification for automobile and adaptive equipment or adaptive equipment only.

The Veteran's initial rating claim for bilateral hearing loss was denied as his service-connected disability did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation. The claim for service connection for a back disability was also denied due to lack of evidence linking the condition to service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are found to be related to his active duty service, granting the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for service connection, a compensable rating for kidney stones, and service connection for a back disability are being REMANDED due to the need for additional development.

The Board found that the reduction of the Veteran's disability rating for service-connected bilateral hearing loss from 80 percent to 30 percent was proper based on improvement in his condition.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and finds that new and material evidence has been submitted. The Veteran served in the Navy during World War II, was exposed to noise during service, and currently has a diagnosed bilateral hearing loss disability. Medical opinions link his current hearing loss to his service-connected tinnitus and noise exposure during service.

The Board found that the Veteran's hearing loss is not related to his service and denied his claim for service connection.

The VA reduced the Veteran's disability rating for bilateral hearing loss from 50% to 20%, effective October 1, 2010. The reduction was based on new audiometric evaluations showing improvement in his condition.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, and bronchitis have been granted. The claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss remains pending. The claim for a compensable rating for hypoglycemia has not been addressed.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development of medical records, and the Veteran's claims for service connection are now pending before the RO.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss did not manifest during service or for many years thereafter, and is not otherwise related to such service. The claim was denied.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current hearing loss disability in either ear, as evidenced by the VA audiological examinations. Therefore, service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Board has ordered additional development of the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, including obtaining a 2004 VA audiological examination report. The case is now remanded to the RO for further action.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for headaches and a bilateral hearing loss disability due to inadequate medical examinations. The appellant is required to undergo another VA examination to determine the nature, etiology, severity, and relationship of her claimed conditions.

The Board has determined that there is no medical evidence linking the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss to his active or reserve service. The Veteran was exposed to noise during both periods of service, but the VA examiner could not form an opinion without resorting to speculation.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of the record, including obtaining private treatment records from the Cleveland Clinic and VA medical records.

The Board finds that the Veteran currently has bilateral hearing loss which was incurred during his active military service as a result of exposure to loud noises. However, there is no evidence of tinnitus in service or for many years thereafter, and the Veteran does not have current tinnitus. Therefore, service connection for bilateral hearing loss is granted, but service connection for tinnitus is denied.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been dismissed due to his failure to respond to requests for evidence/releases necessary to adjudicate the claim.

The Board found no evidence of a nexus between the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and his military service, concluding that it was more likely due to post-service occupational noise exposure.

The Veteran's claim for an initial or staged compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss has been denied as the disability does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation based on the audiometric test results provided.