Hearing loss decisions — 2011

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied as his disability picture did not meet the criteria for an increased evaluation under the applicable VA rating schedule.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is found to be related to in-service noise exposure and granted. Sleep apnea was not present in service or linked to service, thus denial.

The Board has determined that a new VA examination is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to potential inconsistencies in the previous examination results.

The Board has determined that further evidentiary development is necessary before adjudicating the issue of service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's claim will be remanded to allow for a new VA examination and opinion.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a VA audio examination and considering any new evidence. The Veteran's service connection claim for bilateral hearing loss is pending.

The Veteran does not have impaired hearing by VA standards and therefore, her claim for service connection for hearing loss is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the severity of the Veteran's lichen simplex chronicus.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus, finding that there was no evidence of continuity of symptomatology or a nexus to service.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current right ear hearing disability for VA purposes and therefore, service connection for right ear hearing loss is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical records and the need for additional opinions from an audiologist regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss has been rated as zero percent prior to April 29, 2011 and ten percent from that date. The Board finds no basis for a higher rating under the applicable criteria.

The Board found clear and unmistakable error in severing service connection for bilateral hearing loss, which was granted based on new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus do not render him unemployable, as they do not meet the schedular criteria for TDIU. The Board finds that referral for extraschedular consideration is not warranted.

The Veteran's case is being remanded for an additional VA examination to determine whether his service-connected disabilities alone are sufficient to produce unemployability, and for readjudication of the TDIU claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his exposure to noise trauma during active duty, warranting service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss are rated at the maximum allowed under VA regulations, with no additional compensation warranted.

The Veteran's claims for an initial compensable disability rating for service-connected hypertension and for service connection for bilateral hearing loss are being remanded due to the need for a local RO hearing.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining specific information regarding his periods of active duty and inactive duty training in the Army Reserve.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a right ear hearing loss disability for VA purposes and denied service connection for this condition. The issues of left ear hearing loss and tinnitus are addressed in the REMAND portion of the decision.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining his service treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to evaluate his PTSD claim.