Hearing loss decisions — 2011

The Board has determined that additional VCAA notice is required as the appellant's claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death does not involve a previously service-connected condition, and thus requires specific notification tailored to dependency and indemnity compensation cases.

The Veteran's audiometric test results did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss during the period of appeal.

The Veteran's current audiometric findings do not meet the criteria for a disability under VA regulations, and thus he does not have right ear hearing loss for VA compensation purposes.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and denied service connection for tinnitus, but the rating assigned is 100% as of the date of decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right ear hearing loss disability is related to his active military service, and thus grants the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss prior to December 6, 2010 and beginning December 6, 2010 was denied. The initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss prior to December 6, 2010 is not warranted. A rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral hearing loss beginning December 6, 2010 is also not warranted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his period of active service, with the hearing loss being secondary to noise exposure during service. The decision grants service connection for these conditions.

The Board has granted a 20 percent disability rating for the Veteran's service-connected hearing loss since March 11, 2010. Prior to that date, the Veteran was not entitled to any compensation.

The Veteran's initial rating for bilateral hearing loss has been upheld at 20 percent, as his hearing impairment does not warrant a higher evaluation based on the current evidence.

The Board denied the Veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection for residuals of trauma to the left ear, with neurosensory hearing loss and labyrinthitis. The evidence submitted did not show that a chronic disability was incurred in or aggravated by military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is related to noise exposure during his military service, and thus grants service connection for this condition. The hearing loss claim remains pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is not related to his military service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability has been rated at 10 percent since July 7, 2008. The current rating adequately reflects the severity of his condition based on VA audiometry evaluations.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining private treatment records and ensuring all relevant evidence is considered.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been reopened and is granted.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss was incurred in, or caused by, his military service and the Board grants service connection for this condition. The issue of a compensable rating for right ear hearing loss is deferred pending further action.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining employment records and medical records from Dr. Turner, to determine if there is a relationship between the Veteran's current hearing loss and tinnitus disabilities and his military service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, including considering his in-service noise exposure and post-service work history.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not meet or approximate the criteria for a rating greater than 10 percent, as reliable audiometric test results are unavailable.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and pes planus with hallux valgus have been granted service connection, but the Veteran is seeking a higher initial rating for his pes planus.