Hearing loss decisions — 2011

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for his bilateral hearing loss disability was denied as the evidence did not show that he met the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to April 11, 2011. The Veteran's current evaluation of 20 percent is appropriate since April 11, 2011.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was evaluated at a level of 20 percent prior to March 13, 2008. Effective March 13, 2008, the evaluation increased to 50 percent.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for major depressive disorder and bilateral hearing loss, as well as his claim for non-service-connected disability pension. The decision also noted that the Veteran did not report to VA examinations for his hearing loss.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including a skin disorder, left and right ear hearing loss, tinnitus, and low back disorder. The denial is based on insufficient evidence linking these conditions to his military service or exposure to herbicides.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his military service, as there was no evidence of hearing loss or tinnitus during service. The VA examiner opined that the current conditions are more likely due to noise exposure in civilian employment.

The Board is remanding the claims for service connection for left and right knee disorders, left and right shoulder disorders, headaches, vertigo, and hearing loss to the RO via the AMC for further development before readjudicating these claims on their underlying merits.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for a hearing loss disability. The Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is not related to his military service, as evidenced by normal hearing upon induction and separation from active duty. Therefore, service connection for this condition cannot be established.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied as there is no competent and credible evidence showing the presence of a current disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus are related to his military service, specifically noise exposure. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, multiple sclerosis, and residuals of cold injury to the feet. The case will be remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a diagnosed right ear hearing loss disability for VA purposes and therefore, service connection is denied.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is found to be caused by acoustic trauma during active service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his service, with the latter being seen in service. The Veteran has consistently reported having had these conditions since service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left ear hearing loss is causally related to his service, including noise exposure during active duty. As a result, the claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss is granted.

The Veteran's appeal of his increased disability rating for hearing loss has been dismissed as he withdrew his disagreement with the April 26, 2011 decision.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his neurodermatitis was granted, and he is currently rated at 10 percent. The claim for an increased rating for his cardiac arrhythmia was also granted, with a current rating of 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current hearing loss disability as defined by VA standards, and thus service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current condition is as likely as not related to his in-service noise exposure. The issue of service connection for right ear hearing loss remains pending and will be addressed on remand.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination that complies with prior remand instructions regarding functional impact of hearing loss and compliance with VA regulation.

The Board denied service connection for a respiratory disorder and an initial evaluation for left ear hearing loss. The Veteran's in-service asbestos exposure was not found to result in current disability, and his hearing loss is currently rated as Level I.