Hearing loss decisions — 2011

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to determine his eligibility for VA benefits due to a conditional discharge, which may result in a complete bar to VA benefits. The issues of service connection and higher ratings will be addressed after this determination.

The Board has decided that another opinion is needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus, which are currently demonstrated conditions. The case is REMANDED for further development.

The Veteran's claim for a total rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disability was denied as his only service-connected condition (left ear hearing loss) does not meet the criteria for TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including asthma and arthritis of the right knee, have resulted in his need for regular aid and attendance due to his inability to dress, undress, bathe, or toilet himself.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including scheduling of VA examinations to determine the nature and severity of his hearing impairment and right knee disorder.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including gastrointestinal, hearing loss, left wrist, left ankle, and skin conditions were denied.

The Board found that no new and material evidence had been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for a cervical spine strain, schizophrenia, right ear hearing loss, degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, or fibromyositis. The effective dates for increased disability ratings were also denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete service treatment records, particularly those from January 1966 onwards. The Veteran's claims for tinnitus and bilateral inguinal hernias are on appeal, as well as reopening of claims for hearing loss and hypertension.

The Veteran's lower back disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and he has been granted service connection for right hip and left hip disabilities. He was denied service connection for hearing loss in the right ear but his claim of reopening a previously denied claim for hearing loss in the left ear remains pending.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal regarding the issues of service connection for PTSD, hearing loss, tinnitus, sleep apnea, and a skin rash to the hands.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for a VA examination to determine the etiology of his bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, residuals of mononucleosis, and psychiatric disorders.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding no evidence of current disability related to in-service noise exposure.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, allergic rhinitis, hemorrhoids, varicose veins of the right leg, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) as he withdrew these claims prior to the decision. The initial disability rating for a left knee disorder remains at 10 percent.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for additional development due to conflicting medical opinions and a need for further examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to unclear audiometric results and a need for additional examination. The Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are held in abeyance during this process.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss, Meniere's disease, and vertigo. The Board found that these conditions were not incurred or aggravated by active duty.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's hearing loss began during service or is related to service. The tinnitus is proximately due to or the result of his service-connected hearing loss.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss renders him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, meeting the criteria for TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and melanoma are being remanded due to incomplete records and the need for further medical examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of bilateral hearing loss or tinnitus, and therefore cannot establish service connection for these conditions.