Hearing loss decisions — 2011

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for the issues of service connection for a personality disorder and entitlement to a compensable rating for hearing loss. The Board has dismissed these claims as withdrawn.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and thyroid condition, finding that the Veteran's conditions are likely related to her military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is not entitled to an earlier effective date prior to December 11, 2006 for a 90 percent rating of bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss was not incurred in or aggravated by active service, as there is no evidence of a nexus between his in-service noise exposure and his current condition.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death. The Board cannot proceed with the merits of this case as he is no longer alive.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied as there is no competent medical evidence of a current disability meeting VA standards.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's in-service noise exposure is considered, and his current hearing impairment is found to be related to such exposure.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted a higher rating, and his left thumb residuals were also granted. However, service connection for right ear hearing loss was denied.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability, tinnitus, and diabetes mellitus. The claim for an initial compensable rating for candidiasis is denied as there is no evidence that the condition covers at least 5 percent or more of the entire body or exposed areas.

The Veteran withdrew the claim of service connection for a dental condition and died before a decision was made on the hearing loss disability claim, leading to its dismissal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left ear hearing loss is related to his active service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss and left knee disability were evaluated, but the claims for increased ratings were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board has ordered a remand due to the inadequacy of the May 2006 VA audiology examination, which was used by the Board in denying service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus. The Veteran's claims are now being reviewed with additional development.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death while the appeal was pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his failure to appear for a scheduled hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals. The case will be returned to the RO for scheduling a new hearing.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and consideration of all relevant evidence.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated at 20 percent, effective from the date of claim. His tinnitus remains at a maximum 10 percent rating.

The Board has scheduled a hearing before the RO and is remanding the case for further action due to improper notification of the scheduled hearing.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is necessary to determine the nature and likely etiology of the Veteran's hearing loss disability and tinnitus, which are claimed as service-connected.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted with a 30% evaluation prior to October 16, 2008 and a 50% evaluation from that date. The hearing loss disability claim is pending.