Hearing loss decisions — 2011

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss has continued to manifest at the noncompensable rate throughout the current rating period, and there is no factual basis for a staged rating. The preponderance of the evidence shows that his hearing loss does not meet or approximate the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Veteran seeks service connection for several disabilities, including a fracture of the right fifth finger, a disability of the lumbosacral spine, and bilateral hearing loss. The case is REMANDED to obtain additional evidence regarding the Veteran's claims.

The Veteran's service-connected tinnitus is already receiving the maximum disability evaluation allowed by the applicable schedular criteria. The claim for a compensable disability evaluation for bilateral hearing loss prior to December 7, 2006, and in excess of 10 percent since that date remains denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and allergies have been denied. The claim for hypertension has not yet been adjudicated.,Further examination or evidence may be necessary to address the hypertension claim.

The Veteran's service connection claim for sensorineural hearing loss is granted as the Board finds that his current hearing loss is related to in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for a new VA audiological examination and consideration of the effects on his occupational functioning and daily activities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of an acoustic neuroma, left ear hearing loss, erectile dysfunction, hypertension, and thyroid tumor are denied as the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to his military service or any service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need to obtain additional service treatment records and provide a VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, hearing loss, and status post stress fracture of the left foot. The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 30 percent, his hearing loss at non-compensable (0 percent), and his left foot disability at non-compensable (0 percent).

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his active service, as there is no evidence of in-service noise exposure or continuity of symptomatology since separation from service.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, hyperplasia of the prostate, sleep apnea, hypertension, and kidney and bladder condition were all denied as there is no competent evidence showing these conditions are related to service or herbicide exposure.

The reduction of the Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss evaluation from 10 percent to noncompensable was proper, as his hearing improved and he no longer met the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and denied a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss. The case is being remanded to the RO for further development regarding the hearing loss claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have right ear hearing loss as defined by VA regulations and finds no evidence to support a finding of left ear hearing loss. Therefore, service connection for either condition is denied.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be service-connected, and his bilateral hearing loss disability remains noncompensably disabling.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss had its onset during service and is therefore granted service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and determining if any relevant private medical records exist.

The Veteran's service-connected right shoulder disability is rated at 20 percent, which corresponds to limitation of motion to abduction limited to 60 degrees. The claim for a left shoulder disorder and bilateral hearing loss was denied as there was no credible evidence of continuity of symptomatology or direct service connection.