Hearing loss decisions — 2011

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was evaluated and found to warrant a noncompensable rating from November 23, 2004 to September 20, 2010. Since September 21, 2010, the Veteran is entitled to a 10 percent disability rating for his bilateral hearing loss.

The Board finds that the appellant currently suffers from bilateral hearing loss as a result of acoustic trauma in active duty service and grants entitlement to service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss results in interference with his employment and presents an exceptional disability picture, warranting a non-compensable rating under the extraschedular provisions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and a stomach/digestive disorder are being remanded due to the need to obtain VA treatment records, Social Security Administration (SSA) disability benefits information, and any other necessary development.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations have been denied as the current ratings are considered adequate to compensate for his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is not service-connected as it did not manifest in service or within one year of discharge. The claim for residuals of a concussion with headaches and memory loss was denied due to findings that the injury resolved prior to discharge, and no residuals were shown.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial evaluation for migraine headaches has been granted, with the rating now at 30 percent. The other claims remain pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have bilateral pes planus or bilateral hearing loss that is related to his military service. The evidence shows no in-service complaints, treatment, or diagnosis of these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his active military service, and thus grants service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to clarify the Veteran's dates of service and to obtain any necessary medical records. The case will be remanded for these actions.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and an examination to determine his employability.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus can be decided. The Veteran's in-service noise exposure history will need to be verified, and an examination will be conducted to determine if his current hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss disability, finding that the evidence did not show an exceptional or unusual pattern of impairment warranting an extraschedular evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are directly related to his military service, specifically due to acoustic trauma from noise exposure during his time as an aircraft mechanic. The claims for service connection have been granted.

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

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss has been rated as noncompensable throughout the appeal period, and no compensable rating is warranted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, epididymitis, and an initial rating in excess of 20 percent since November 30, 2007, for residuals of prostate cancer. The claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was reopened due to new evidence, but the claim for service connection for epididymitis remains denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from obtaining or maintaining any form of substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and occupational background from March 30, 2004 to February 28, 2011. From March 1, 2011, the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss manifested Level XI hearing in both ears.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are causally related to his in-service noise exposure, and thus grants service connection for both conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss, lumbosacral spine disability, and chondromalacia of the right patella are all service-connected.