Hearing loss decisions — 2011

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability was granted a 20% rating effective March 31, 2008. The claim for higher ratings prior to that date remains denied.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss and bilateral ear infections were not shown to be related to his military service.,There is no evidence of current disabilities for which service connection can be granted.

The Board has remanded the case to obtain additional medical opinions and evidence, as well as for further development of the claims file. The Veteran's claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss remains pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension, left ear hearing loss, and tinnitus are all service-connected.,These conditions were diagnosed during or shortly after active duty service.

The Veteran's claims for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, service connection for erectile dysfunction secondary to diabetes mellitus, and service connection for a left leg disability are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability was not incurred in or aggravated by service, and the Board found that it is less likely than not related to his military noise exposure.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there is no competent evidence to support a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for type II diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and bilateral hearing loss. The appeals were withdrawn prior to a decision.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and scheduling a VA examination for diabetes mellitus. The intertwined claims of service connection for urinary frequency, increased ratings for peripheral neuropathy of upper and lower extremities, erectile dysfunction, and hearing loss are also inextricably intertwined with the TDIU claim.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The Veteran's skin disorder on the feet was reopened but not granted.

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

The Board has ordered a remand due to the need for an explanation of discrepancies in audiometric examination findings between May and September 2009, as well as a new VA audiological evaluation.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss was evaluated as Level II, resulting in a noncompensable rating. The Board found that the current ratings adequately reflect his disability level and symptomatology.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred or aggravated during his military service, as there is no evidence of a current disability within one year post-service. The VA examiner found no connection between the Veteran's in-service noise exposure and his current conditions.

The Board finds that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss had its onset in service and is related to his noise exposure during active duty. As such, the claim for service connection for right ear hearing loss is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have left ear hearing loss disability for VA purposes and therefore, service connection is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected disabilities and determine their impact on employment.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to clarify the Veteran's claims, including obtaining his service medical records and any relevant Reserve or National Guard records. A VA examination will be scheduled for each of the claimed conditions.

Your claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as an increased evaluation for posttraumatic stress disorder, are being remanded to the RO for further action.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, and Meniere's disease. The claim for new and material evidence to reopen a previously denied claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss was also denied.