Hearing loss decisions — 2011

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, meeting the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was rated at the highest possible level (100%) based on his severe impairment in both ears, as determined by VA audiometric testing.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to the appellant withdrawing her appeal.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss was granted, but the RO assigned a noncompensable evaluation effective from October 1, 2004.

The Board found that the Veteran's hearing loss did not manifest to a compensable degree within one year of separation from service and that it was less likely than not related to noise exposure in service. Therefore, service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his in-service acoustic trauma, and thus service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is service connected as it is related to his in-service injury.,His urinary tract disability, including the right flank and lower abdomen pain, is service connected due to its relation to his in-service shrapnel wounds.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss were denied. The initial compensable rating was granted from November 5, 2007 through August 23, 2009, and the staged rating in excess of 10 percent was denied as of August 24, 2009.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (PTSD, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss) have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his PTSD. The Board has granted entitlement to TDIU based on the combined rating of 60% for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and opinion regarding the etiology of his current hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss is related to his service, specifically his time as an infantryman in Vietnam where he was exposed to loud noises from machine guns and small arms fire. As a result, the claim for service connection for right ear hearing loss is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were granted. His bilateral hearing loss was found to be related to his military service, rheumatoid arthritis and steroid acne are considered as resulting from or aggravated by his service-connected conditions, and the low back disability is rated higher than initially assigned.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Travel Board hearing at the RO.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is related to his military service, and he is therefore entitled to service connection for this condition.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss was not incurred in or aggravated by service, and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's death was not caused by his service-connected conditions, and thus denied service connection for the cause of death. The claim for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 was also denied.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was rated at 20 percent prior to April 1, 2010, and increased to 10 percent from that date. The Board found the evidence did not support a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have bilateral hearing loss or tinnitus that is attributable to his active military service. The VA examiner found no evidence of noise exposure during service and noted normal hearing at separation.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's claims for obstructive sleep apnea and lung disorder are remanded due to outstanding records and further development is needed.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased evaluation of shell fragment wound of the abdomen with perforation of the colon, postoperative was withdrawn. The claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss disability and tinnitus were not granted. The claim for a compensable evaluation for left ear hearing loss disability was denied. The claim for a compensable evaluation for residual scars from a shell fragment wound was also denied.