Hearing loss decisions — 2011

The Veteran is seeking TDIU based on his service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain updated VA treatment records, conduct a vocational specialist opinion regarding the effect of these conditions on employability, and determine if any additional evidence is needed.

The Board has been notified of the appellant's withdrawal of his appeal, and thus the appeal is dismissed.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for a compensable rating for asthmatic bronchitis, bilateral hearing loss, and service connection for tinnitus.

The Board has determined that there is new and material evidence to reopen the claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, but it is remanding this issue along with the other claims due to further development being required. The Veteran's previous denial of service connection for bilateral hearing loss was based on a finding that he did not have a ratable disability according to VA standards. However, recent evidence suggests he may now have a ratable hearing loss disability.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss, right knee condition, and left knee condition was denied as there is no evidence of current disability or in-service incurrence/aggravation.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for right ear hearing loss disability is being remanded due to the inadequacy of the previous VA audiology examination and a need for another evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, or Meniere's disease as these conditions did not manifest during service or within a year thereafter and are not otherwise related to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for initial compensable ratings for bilateral hearing loss and diabetic retinopathy, finding that his service-connected conditions did not warrant such a rating based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD) have been granted. The Board finds that the evidence supports a finding of in-service noise exposure and credible statements regarding such exposure, which are sufficient to establish service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred in service, as there was no evidence of such conditions during or immediately after his military service. The VA examiner opined that it is less likely than not that the Veteran's current hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military noise exposure.

The Board has ordered additional development due to the need for obtaining in-service and VA medical records, as well as a new VA examination. The Veteran's claims will be reconsidered based on the newly obtained evidence.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for right ear hearing loss due to new evidence showing she may have a current disability. The claim is being considered de novo, and the Veteran will be granted service connection based on her exposure to loud noises during military service.

The VA determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss did not originate during service and could not be presumed due to exposure to noise. The Board agreed with this determination.

The Board found no evidence of a hearing loss disability in service and denied the claim for service connection as the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is not related to his military service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings, a compensable rating for erectile dysfunction, and service connection for various conditions. The effective date of the temporary total disability rating for surgery necessitating convalescence is set at September 3, 2003.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his inability to attend a personal hearing. The issues of service connection for various conditions and TDIU remain unresolved.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss as it was aggravated during active service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, skin cancer, and coronary artery disease. The decision found that the Veteran did not have these conditions attributable to his military service.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to fully and fairly adjudicate the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, including consideration of new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Veteran's hearing loss is manifested by no worse than level I hearing in both ears, resulting in a noncompensable rating for bilateral hearing.