Hearing loss decisions — 2011

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected bilateral hearing loss and arthritis in the knees.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability was not found to warrant a compensable evaluation prior to May 24, 2010.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied as his current level of hearing loss did not meet the criteria for any higher rating.

The Board finds that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's currently diagnosed left ear hearing loss is related to his period of active service. As a result, the criteria for service connection for left ear hearing loss have been met.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including sleep apnea, severe allergic rhinitis, low back strain, chorioretinal scar of both eyes (previously characterized as healed central serous retinopathy of the left eye with xanthelasma), tinnitus, and sensorineural hearing loss, did not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation before May 4, 2010.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is considered to be a result of his active military service, and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board finds that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to service, with a presumption of exposure to noise in service. The Veteran's tinnitus is not linked to service.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus but denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has determined that there is competent evidence tending to establish bilateral hearing loss and diabetes mellitus type II are attributable to service. The Veteran's claim for service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability and hearing loss (left ear) were not incurred in or aggravated by military service.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are as likely as not related to his military service. The decision is based on credible evidence of in-service noise exposure and the presence of current symptoms.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for left ear hearing loss was denied as the evidence did not show a current disability. The Board found that the Veteran does not have left ear hearing loss for VA compensation purposes.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been previously denied in March 1953. The Board is remanding the case to provide proper notice, schedule a new VA examination, and readjudicate the claims.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are as likely as not attributable to military service, specifically exposure to loud noises during basic training with M-14 rifles and grenades.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess his employability due to service-connected disabilities and completion of the necessary forms regarding his employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service, granting the claims for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to unclear medical opinions and need for clarification.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the threshold percentage requirement for TDIU, but his PTSD and other conditions prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee disorder, initial compensable disability ratings for bilateral hearing loss and pseudofolliculitis barbae, and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining private medical records and ensuring all directives in this remand have been accomplished.