Hearing loss decisions — 2011

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records and an updated audiological evaluation.

The VA determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not warrant a compensable rating, as his audiometric results do not meet the criteria for any higher evaluation.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability was not incurred in or aggravated by service and may not be presumed to have been so incurred.

The Veteran's PTSD is found to be incurred in service, with the Board granting service connection for this condition.

The Veteran was granted service connection for skin cancer incurred during his active duty.,Service connection was denied for left ear hearing loss, as the evidence did not show a compensable level of disability within one year of separation from service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred in service, but his right knee disability is related to service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are found to be related to military service, while the left wrist disorder is not.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus has been granted. Service connection for a left wrist disorder was denied.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss is manifested by Level I hearing acuity, which does not warrant a compensable evaluation. The Board finds that the current rating schedule adequately reflects his disability.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a 50 percent initial rating, and his diabetes mellitus has been granted a 20 percent initial rating. The appeals for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, hypertension, and chloracne have all been denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a travel board hearing at the RO in Atlanta, Georgia.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension is related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II. The claims for left ear hearing loss and tinnitus are remanded as additional medical examination and opinion are needed.

The preponderance of the evidence is against a finding that at any time during the appeal period, the Veteran had hearing acuity worse than Level III in the right ear or worse than Level II in the left ear. Therefore, a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is not warranted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss and hepatitis C were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under VA regulations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left ear hearing loss, sleep apnea, and sinus disorder. The claim for secondary service connection for right elbow and forearm disorder related to a service-connected fracture of the right 5th finger was also denied.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the previously denied claims of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus. The Veteran's current hearing loss and tinnitus are found to be at least as likely as not related to his active service.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The claims for tinnitus and inner ear disorder are remanded to the RO/AMC for further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and higher initial ratings were denied. The Board found no evidence of hearing loss or sinus bradycardia during service, and the current conditions do not meet VA criteria for a disability.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a sleep disorder, hearing loss, liver disability (including cirrhosis and hepatitis C), psychiatric disability (including PTSD and MDD), hypertension, asbestosis, residuals of a scrape injury to the back, right elbow disability, and right shoulder disability.

The Board found no evidence of a right ankle disability during service and denied the claim for service connection. The hearing loss in the left ear was noted on multiple enlistment examinations, but there is no indication that it began during service. The low back injury occurred post-service and not during any ADT or IDT service.