Hearing loss decisions — 2011

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is not related to his military service, including noise exposure during active duty. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran meets the criteria for TDIU as his service-connected disabilities (PTSD, bilateral depressed metatarsal arches, and bilateral hearing loss) result in a combined evaluation of 70 percent. The VA examiner concluded that due to PTSD symptoms, including difficulty establishing and maintaining effective work/school and social relationships, the Veteran is not a good candidate for substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need to obtain VA medical records for a complete record.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is related to his military service, including ACDUTRA and INACDUTRA periods. The decision grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance or at the housebound rate.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss has been evaluated as noncompensable (0%) throughout the appeal period. The audiometric testing results have consistently shown Level I hearing acuity in both ears, which corresponds to a noncompensable rating under VA regulations.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has been evaluated as noncompensable since July 29, 2005. The current audiometric results do not warrant a higher evaluation.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred in or aggravated by active service, nor may they be presumed to have been so incurred or aggravated.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA audiological and psychological examination to determine the nature and etiology of any hearing loss and psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's tinnitus has been found to be related to service, and he is granted a 20 percent rating for his right knee instability since October 20, 2009. The Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities are currently rated based on limitation of motion.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to determine if his current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus disabilities are related to service.

The Veteran is in need of regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected back disability, which requires assistance with all activities of daily living.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development and notification requirements.

The Veteran seeks service connection for right ear hearing loss and bilateral tinnitus, which he claims are related to noise exposure during active duty. The VA has requested a remand due to insufficient evidence in the current evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for service connection and compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for additional bilateral hearing loss disability were both denied due to lack of new and material evidence for the service connection claim, and because there was no proximate causation by VA in the care or treatment provided.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was rated as 30 percent disabling prior to August 30, 2010. After the most recent examination on August 30, 2010, his rating was increased to 40 percent.

The Veteran's claims for hearing loss and tinnitus were denied as the evidence does not support a link between his military service and these conditions.

The Board denied the claims of service connection for hypertension and left ear hearing loss disability, finding that there was no evidence showing these conditions were incurred or aggravated during active duty for training.

The Veteran's initial claim for a compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss prior to August 20, 2010 was denied. From August 20, 2010, he is granted a 10% disability rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied as he does not have a current disability. The TDIU claim is remanded due to inadequate examination.