Hearing loss decisions — 2011

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining medical opinions and records.

The Board found that the Veteran's tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, and hypertension were not incurred or aggravated by active service. The left knee disorder, right knee disorder, and left heel disorder did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's PTSD with substance abuse was granted a 50% rating effective September 3, 2009. The initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is less likely as not caused by or a result of military noise exposure, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 30 percent from July 8, 2008, but granted a compensable rating prior to this date.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is not related to his service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has granted a 10 percent rating for the Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss, finding that the evidence supports this determination based on audiometric test results.

The Board found that the Veteran did not have a current diagnosis of right ear hearing loss for VA compensation purposes and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was not incurred in active service and denied his claim.

The Board found no current diagnosis of asbestosis or any other lung disorder, and thus denied service connection for a lung disorder including asbestosis. The claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and residuals of a cyst behind the left ear are remanded due to incomplete development.

The Veteran's anterior left knee discomfort with a lateral tilt of the patella is due to disease or injury that was incurred in active service.,Likely as not, the Veteran has hypertension that had its clinical onset during service. The claim for bilateral hearing loss must be denied by law.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current hearing loss disability in his left ear, and there is no evidence of noise exposure during service. The only probative medical opinion indicates that the right ear hearing loss is unrelated to service. As such, the claim for bilateral hearing loss cannot be granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current neck disability, including torticollis and cervical spine arthritis, was not incurred in or aggravated by his military service. The hearing loss is also not presumed to be related to military service due to lack of evidence showing it within one year post-service. Therefore, both conditions are denied.

The Board found no evidence of in-service hearing loss or tinnitus and thus denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance or being housebound is denied as he does not meet the criteria for either condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining records from his former employer and scheduling a VA audiology examination. The claim for increase in bilateral hearing loss disability will be adjudicated again after the requested development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new VA audiological examination and consideration of misfiled documents.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of his service-connected bilateral hearing loss was denied as the evidence did not demonstrate worsening that would warrant a higher disability rating.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration, including obtaining updated VA medical records, SSA records related to SSI benefits, and a VA examination. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered after these actions.