Hearing loss decisions — 2011

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service treatment records are unavailable and requests for his personnel records have not been successful. The case is being remanded to attempt to obtain these records, as well as any ongoing medical records pertinent to the Veteran's claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's pre-existing bilateral hearing loss was aggravated by his military service, warranting service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine if his current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to service. The claims will be readjudicated after this development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not meet or approximate the criteria for a compensable evaluation. The initial noncompensable rating assigned is appropriate as his hearing acuity has been shown to be no worse than Roman numeral designation I in both ears.

The Veteran's initial claim for a compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss has been denied as his hearing loss does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under VA regulations.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to fully and fairly consider the merits of the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. This includes obtaining his military records, conducting a VA examination, and clarifying whether he experiences tinnitus.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination and review of private treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development and consideration of evidence, including a March 2011 VA audiological examination report.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is found to be as likely as not attributable to his active military service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Board found that the Veteran's current hearing loss in the left ear is not due to service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to an inadequate VA examination in June 2010. The Veteran is seeking service connection for bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss has been denied as his most severe hearing impairment is level I in both ears, resulting in a noncompensable disability rating since May 18, 2007.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is not related to his active military service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for right ear hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for a personal hearing before a Veterans Law Judge.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated at 40 percent, but the Board finds that it does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating. The evidence shows no increase in disability during the appeal period.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss as there was no evidence of a current disability, and any temporary decrease in hearing acuity due to cerumen (wax) buildup did not constitute a permanent disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for examinations to determine the current level of severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied a compensable evaluation for left ear hearing loss and did not reopen the claim of service connection for right ear hearing loss.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The claim for ischemic cardiomyopathy due to herbicide exposure is being remanded as it involves a potential Gulf War exposure.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination of his bilateral hearing loss, and for obtaining updated VA treatment records.