Hearing loss decisions — 2011

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability has been evaluated as zero percent disabling since the initial grant of service connection. The evidence does not support a higher evaluation.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The Board finds that there is sufficient evidence to establish a link between the current disabilities and service, including in-service noise exposure from working on jet engines. Therefore, service connection is granted for both conditions.

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

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and recurrent tinnitus is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is related to his active duty service, specifically due to combat noise exposure. As a result, the claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is granted.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and hypertension, finding no current evidence of these conditions. The claim for hypertension was not substantiated as there is no current competent medical evidence establishing the Veteran currently has this disability.

The Board finds that the Veteran is not in need of regular aid and attendance or permanently housebound due to his service-connected disabilities, and thus, does not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance, or by reason of being permanently housebound.

The Board found the evidence in equipoise regarding the Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus, but did not find sufficient evidence to support a grant of service connection for hearing loss.,For tinnitus, the Veteran presented credible lay and medical evidence indicating exposure to acoustic trauma during service and continuity of symptomatology since service. For hearing loss, no such evidence was found.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied as he does not have a current diagnosis of bilateral hearing loss as defined by VA regulations.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was evaluated as noncompensable prior to October 6, 2010 and remains noncompensable from that date onwards.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss disability is currently manifested by Level II hearing loss, bilaterally. The Board finds that the current evidence does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA audiological examination and treatment records.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated at 40 percent, the maximum schedular rating for this condition. The Board found no basis to grant a higher rating based on the evidence of record.

The Board found no evidence of current disabilities related to the Veteran's service, including bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The claims for right and left knee disorders were also denied as there is no competent medical evidence linking any current diagnoses to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is related to exposure to acoustic trauma during his active duty service. The claims for tinnitus, low back disability, and bilateral knee disabilities are denied as there is no evidence of such conditions in service or within one year post-service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left ear hearing loss was aggravated by service, warranting service connection. However, there is no evidence to support a finding of aggravation for his right ear hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of bilateral hearing loss or tinnitus, and there is no evidence linking these conditions to his service. Therefore, service connection for both conditions is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations and evaluations to determine the current severity of his service-connected right knee, left shoulder, and hearing loss disabilities. The case will be readjudicated based on this new evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, but denied the remaining issues of bilateral hearing loss, right hip condition, and low back condition. The case is remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding these claims.