Hearing loss decisions — 2011

The Veteran's hearing loss was rated as Level I in both ears, resulting in a noncompensable rating. The Board found that the evidence did not support a compensable rating for his bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are at least as likely as not related to his military service due to exposure to acoustic trauma during combat.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical records and the need for a VA audiological examination. The Veteran's hearing loss is being evaluated based on direct service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current disability of left ear hearing loss as defined by VA regulations, and thus denied service connection for this condition.

The Board found that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss and tinnitus did not manifest in service or within one year of discharge, and are unrelated to service. Therefore, service connection for these conditions was denied.

The claim for an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss has been remanded due to incomplete development. The current evaluation is 40 percent, effective September 4, 2009.

The Board found that the Veteran's preexisting bilateral hearing loss was not aggravated by active service and denied his claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claim of service connection for left ear hearing loss due to new and material evidence submitted. However, the claim remains denied as there is no competent evidence showing a direct relationship between the current left ear hearing loss and active service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, headaches, and sinus disorder were not incurred or aggravated by service. The evidence does not establish a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's request for hearings has been addressed, and the case is being remanded due to scheduling issues. Service connection claims are pending.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and left ear hearing loss disorder, finding that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen these claims. The decision also denied service connection for a bilateral hand disorder and sinusitis.

The Veteran's request for a Board videoconference hearing has been rescheduled due to his travel plans. The case is being remanded back to the RO for scheduling this hearing.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service, including exposure to noise from aircraft and communication equipment. As a result, the claims for service connection have been granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for consideration of an extra-schedular evaluation due to his service-connected disabilities, as he is unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that his current conditions were not related to military service.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and records.

The Board found that the Veteran's left wrist injury in service was acute and transitory, resolving without residuals. The current left wrist disability is not related to his service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, residuals of frostbite, an ocular disorder (vision loss), and abscesses on the buttocks. The evidence submitted did not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating these claims.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination to address his claims of bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and PTSD have been granted service connection. The Veteran is currently receiving the maximum schedular rating for his PTSD prior to July 15, 2009, but not since that date.