Hearing loss decisions — 2012

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for appendectomy residuals and service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied. The Board found that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a higher disability evaluation under applicable VA regulations.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and posttraumatic arthritis of the left ankle were denied. The Veteran is not entitled to a rating in excess of 10 percent for his bilateral hearing loss prior to June 20, 2011 or since June 20, 2011. He is also not entitled to an increased rating for posttraumatic arthritis of the left ankle.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and consideration of new evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his tinnitus, as well as proper VCAA notice regarding secondary service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA audiology examination to determine if his current hearing loss and tinnitus are related to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to his failure to report for VA examinations and the need to obtain additional service treatment records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were previously denied due to lack of in-service diagnosis or relationship to service. New evidence received since the prior denial is not considered new and material, thus the claims remain denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that there is no evidence of a current disability and concluding that it was less likely than not caused by his military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred in or aggravated by active service, and thus denied his claims for service connection.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to a lack of indication of whether he wishes for a hearing, and the Veteran requested a Travel Board hearing. The case is now being returned to the RO with instructions to schedule the Veteran for such a hearing.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not service-connected as they are more likely due to natural aging process rather than in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss was not incurred in or aggravated by his military service and may not be presumed to have been incurred in service.

The Board found no evidence of a current right ear hearing loss disability for VA compensation purposes and denied the claim for service connection.

The Board denied service connection for left ear hearing loss and seizure disorder and strokes, finding no evidence of a nexus to service or post-service onset.,Service connection was not granted as the Veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is found to be related to service, and he is granted service connection for this condition. Service connection is also granted for benign prostatic hypertrophy. The Board finds no evidence of a current hearing loss disability in either ear, but grants service connection based on continuity of symptomatology since service.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus did not have their onset during service or are otherwise related to military service, including noise exposure. The claims were denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development and adjudication, including obtaining private treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the etiology of his sinusitis and headaches.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss has been denied as his hearing impairment does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss was evaluated as Level I, resulting in a noncompensable evaluation. The Board found that the evidence did not support an increase in his disability rating.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death during the pendency of the appeal.