Hearing loss decisions — 2011

The Veteran's claim for a total rating based on unemployability due to service-connected disabilities is being remanded for further development, including obtaining employment records and medical examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his active service, including exposure to acoustic trauma. The claims for service connection have been denied.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal regarding the issue of entitlement to an increased rating for service-connected bilateral hearing loss.

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

The Board found that the Veteran failed to report for a VA audiological examination scheduled in conjunction with his claims, and thus denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA outpatient treatment records and clarifying whether he wishes to withdraw his appeal regarding a higher initial rating for major depressive disorder.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for further examination and updated information. The case will be readjudicated after the additional development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD, hearing loss, and tinnitus contributed substantially or materially to his death from arteriosclerotic heart disease. Therefore, the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is granted.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss prior to April 12, 2010 was denied as his disability remained noncompensable. His claim for a higher rating after April 12, 2010 was also denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for depressive disorder, refractive error, senile cataracts optic neuropathy (claimed as loss of sight, glaucoma and loss of field vision), migraine headaches, hearing loss, and tinnitus were all denied. The claim for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for vertigo was also denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cognitive disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and diabetes mellitus are not service-connected due to lack of evidence showing their onset during active duty or being related to Agent Orange exposure.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluations were denied. The Board found no current diagnosis of right ear hearing loss, granted a 10 percent evaluation for tinnitus, denied an initial compensable rating for the right fourth metacarpal fracture, and denied an evaluation in excess of 30 percent for migraine headaches.

The Veteran is entitled to a total rating based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected disabilities, effective January 26, 2007.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and diabetes mellitus due to exposure in Vietnam, but hearing loss was not shown during service or at any time thereafter.

The Board has remanded the case due to new theories of service connection and additional evidence, requiring further development before a final decision can be made.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Pension Maintenance Center for additional development of relevant documents and records. The issue of entitlement to a waiver of recovery of overpayment of VA benefits in the amount of $3461.83 will be readjudicated following receipt of these documents.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his military service, as there is no evidence of in-service acoustic trauma or a current disability. The VA examiner concluded that the Veteran's current hearing loss and tinnitus were less likely than not caused by or related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and ear pain are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and consideration of his entire service period.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining service personnel and medical records from the Veteran's active duty and National Guard service. The Veteran is seeking service connection for bilateral hearing loss.