Hearing loss decisions — 2011

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for further examination and review of the Veteran's claims file.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the left inguinal hernia had not recurred, with a scar size less than 6 square inches and no functional limitation.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability does not result in such an exceptional or unusual picture with related factors as marked interference with employment or frequent periods of hospitalizations, thus the available schedular evaluation for service-connected bilateral hearing loss is adequate.

The Board found that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss is related to his active service and granted service connection for this condition. The claim for chronic upper respiratory infections (sinusitis) was denied as new and material evidence had not been received.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability has been manifested by no worse than Level I hearing in each ear, and thus does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and conducting VA examinations to determine the etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current hearing loss disability and denied his claim for service connection. The back injury issue is pending due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's only service-connected disability, bilateral hearing loss, does not render him unable to tend to the basic functions of self-care without regular assistance from another person or leave him vulnerable to the hazards and dangers incident to his environment. The Board finds that the threshold legal criteria for special monthly compensation based on the need for the regular aid and attendance of another person or upon housebound status are not met.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not meet or approximate the criteria for a compensable rating under VA's disability evaluation schedule.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and granted it. The claims for service connection for upper lip cancer and tinnitus are remanded for further development.

The Veteran is in need of care or assistance on a regular basis to protect him from the health hazards and dangers of daily living, including misunderstanding prescription medication instructions and other medical instruction. The Veteran also requires care or assistance on a regular basis to assist him with meal preparation; dressing; bathing; performing household chores; and using the toilet.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the issue of entitlement to an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development of records and notification issues.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss, first shown during his second period of active service at 4000 Hertz and continuing thereafter, is related to active service. The Veteran does not have a right ear hearing loss disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied as there is no current diagnosis of the condition. The claims for other conditions were not addressed due to lack of development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss disability does not warrant a compensable evaluation, as his hearing acuity did not meet the criteria for any higher rating throughout the appeal period.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to noise exposure during service, with presbycusis superimposed in some cases. As such, both conditions have been granted service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current Hepatitis C is causally related to his military service, and thus grants service connection for this condition. The issue of entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD remains pending as does the issue of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is not related to his military service, as there was no evidence of hearing impairment during or immediately following service. The claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Veteran's appeal involves claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, a cervical spine disorder, and a right upper extremity disorder. The Board has determined that further development is needed to properly adjudicate these claims.