Hearing loss decisions — 2011

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 100 percent, the highest possible rating.,Right ear hearing loss does not meet VA criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including bilateral ankle, hip, leg, hearing loss, lung disability (other than pulmonary tuberculosis), skin disability, psychiatric disability (PTSD), and erectile dysfunction. The evidence did not support a finding of current disabilities or a link to service.

The Board found that the Veteran's left ear hearing loss and tinnitus were pre-existing conditions that did not increase in severity during active service, thus denying entitlement to service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for the issues of service connection for a psychiatric disorder, to include depression and anxiety, and an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for residuals of a right middle finger fracture. The remaining claims of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a left eye disorder are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was reopened and the Board found that his current hearing loss is more likely than not caused by noise exposure during military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining VA and private medical records, SSA records, and a VA examination to address the nature and etiology of his chronic hypertension, colon disorder, and pulmonary disorder.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and a compensable evaluation are being remanded due to the need for a Board Videoconference hearing.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable initial rating for bilateral hearing loss has been denied as there is no evidence of worsening or increase in severity that would warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been dismissed due to his death.

The Board found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a hearing loss disability. The appeal was denied as there was no showing of chronicity in service or continuity after discharge, and the preponderance of the evidence did not support a finding that the current bilateral hearing loss disability was incurred during active duty.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for additional development, including scheduling of a VA medical examination to determine the effect of his service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial compensable disability rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss, finding that the evidence did not demonstrate an entitlement to a higher rating based on the current audiometric findings.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to insufficient development and need for clarification of medical opinions regarding his service-connected PTSD, gastrointestinal condition, fungus on both feet, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability was not incurred in or aggravated by military service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and denied his claim. The Board also found that the Veteran's tinnitus was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and denied his claim.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for a VA examination to assess the current severity and manifestations of his service-connected bilateral hearing loss, including its impact on daily activities and occupational functioning. Additionally, all relevant VA records from April 2006 to the present should be associated with the claims file.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there was no evidence of these conditions during or within one year after military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, diabetes mellitus, and tinnitus, render him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding his employability and the impact of his service-connected conditions. The Parkinson's disease claim related to presumed herbicides exposure will also be referred back to the AOJ for further action.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current bilateral hearing loss disability for VA purposes and there is no evidence of record showing a relationship between his tinnitus and service. As such, both claims are denied.