Hearing loss decisions — 2011

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and need for further medical opinions.

The Veteran's hearing loss disability is manifested by Level I hearing acuity in both ears, but does not result in significant functional effects. The claim for service connection for tinnitus was denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are at least partly due to noise exposure in service, granting his claims for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus are likely related to his military service, with consideration given to post-service noise exposure. Service connection is granted for both conditions.

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

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is found to be causally related to in-service noise exposure, and service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and PTSD are being remanded due to the unavailability of his service records. The VA is instructed to attempt to obtain additional evidence regarding the in-service stressor event for PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are being remanded due to the need to obtain Social Security Administration records, conduct a VA examination, and review existing treatment records.

The Board has identified several issues for remand, including the need to provide a Statement of the Case (SOC) concerning service connection for left ear hearing loss and increased evaluations for pes planus, left foot, and residuals of left ankle injury. Additionally, a VA audiological examination is required to assess the current level of severity of the Veteran's right ear hearing loss.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his service, as there was no significant shift in hearing during service. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need to obtain his service treatment records and provide a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's currently diagnosed bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his period of active service, with a particular focus on his duties as a pilot and flight instructor. The Veteran reported in-service noise exposure and both conditions have been linked to this exposure.

The Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is found to be related to noise exposure during service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's multiple service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, including a sedentary occupation, consistent with his education and occupational background.

The Veteran's hearing loss disability was not present during service and is not related to his active military service. The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current memory loss disability for which service connection can be granted.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations and further analysis of his claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's currently diagnosed bilateral hearing loss is related to his active military service, and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including the provision of a VA examination to assess the severity of his PTSD and bilateral hearing loss. The TDIU claim has also been raised by the record.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and TDIU were denied. The reduction of his disability evaluation from 30% to 10% was upheld.