Hearing loss decisions — 2011

The Veteran's low back disability is currently rated at 40 percent from March 3, 2004 to October 25, 2010.,Since October 26, 2010, the Veteran's low back disability has not met the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to incomplete hearing transcript and the need for a new hearing. The issues of service connection are still pending.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss, peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity, and peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity have been granted. The initial ratings assigned are 10 percent for each condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus have been denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities meeting VA criteria.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, but the effective date remains August 20, 2008. The Veteran's claim for bilateral hearing loss was previously denied and is not currently under consideration.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear hearing loss and tinnitus, but the issue of an initial compensable rating for residuals of a medial meniscus tear of the right knee is remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have been rated based on their current manifestations and the criteria for each condition. The initial ratings assigned are generally in line with the severity of his conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for further proceedings due to issues raised in a Court memorandum decision. The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable evaluation for left ear hearing loss is being reviewed, and additional evidence may be required including VA audiological examinations and medical records.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current disabilities are related to his active duty service.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and granted service connection for PTSD and depression. The Veteran's claims are supported by medical evidence, including statements from health care providers who have treated him over several years.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss, although significantly disabling and compensated as such, does not preclude substantially gainful employment. Therefore, a total disability rating based on individual unemployability is denied.

The Board has determined that the appellant's respiratory disabilities other than pleurisy, including bronchitis, pneumonia, COPD, asthma, tuberculosis in remission and sleep apnea are causally related to his active service. The left ear hearing loss is not compensable.

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

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including VA examinations and a de novo review of the claims.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of his claim for an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss disability.

The Board finds that the appellant currently suffers from bilateral hearing loss that is related to his military service, specifically his time in the National Guard where he was exposed to loud noises. The evidence supports a finding that this condition began during active duty and continues today.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the etiology of his bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, which were not addressed in the July 2006 VA examination.

The Veteran was granted service connection for varicose veins of the left leg. However, he did not have current hearing loss or gingival recession and his ingrown toenails and small toe fractures were resolved.,Service connection was denied for bilateral hearing loss, varicose veins of the right leg, and ingrown toenails and small toe fractures.

The Veteran's current psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as a cognitive disorder not otherwise specified, was incurred in active service. The Veteran's left ear hearing loss was not related to his service or any aspect thereof.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are likely due to noise exposure in service. Service connection is also granted for a back disorder, but not for a neck disorder.