Hearing loss decisions — 2011

The Veteran's overall disability rating is 80 percent, meeting the schedular standards for consideration of a TDIU. However, he does not meet the requirement of being unable to secure or follow substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities as he has been employed in managerial positions since at least November 1998 and can still perform some work duties despite his disabilities.

The Veteran's right ear deformity was caused by the July 21, 2003 surgery and is compensable under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was rated at 20% prior to September 22, 2010. Effective September 22, 2010, the rating for his bilateral hearing loss has been increased to 30%.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was not incurred in or aggravated by service, nor may sensorineural hearing loss be presumed to have been incurred in service. Therefore, service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, scheduling a VA audiological evaluation, and considering the new evidence received since the most recent supplemental statement of the case.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for right ear hearing loss. The claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have also been granted as they are related to noise exposure during military service.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded due to the need for additional development from his service records in the Texas Army National Guard.

Service connection granted for tinnitus, but denied for bilateral hearing loss.,Service connection granted for uterine fibroids with abdominal/pelvic pain with cramps and pressure.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current level of hearing loss is consistent with his military noise exposure during service.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's claims for service connection due to conflicting evidence and unclear diagnoses.

The Veteran's initial increased rating claim for bilateral hearing loss was denied as the disability did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation. The issue of compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for a right great toe disability is remanded.

The Veteran's death was not service-connected, and the appellant was awarded a $300 burial allowance. The Veteran was cremated and not buried in a cemetery or national cemetery, so neither the appellant nor the funeral home is eligible for a plot or interment allowance.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is found to be incurred in active duty military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran currently suffers from left ear hearing loss as a result of disease or injury in active duty service and granted his claim for service connection.

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

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were denied as the current ratings are considered adequate based on the criteria set forth in the rating schedule.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was incurred in service due to noise exposure, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus do not meet VA criteria for a disability, and there is no evidence of in-service noise exposure or treatment. Therefore, service connection was denied.

The Board is considering multiple issues related to service connection and effective dates for various disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss. The decision on these matters is mixed as some claims are granted while others are denied or have their effective dates changed.

The Board found that the appellant's current bilateral hearing loss disability pre-existed his military service and was not aggravated by active duty. As a result, the claim for service connection is denied.