Hearing loss decisions — 2012

The Veteran's appeal for an initial compensable rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss was denied by the RO, and he is not entitled to a higher disability evaluation.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss has been evaluated as noncompensable (0%) throughout the appeal period, with at worst Level III hearing acuity in the right ear and Level I hearing acuity in the left ear.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss and PTSD have been denied as the evidence does not support a finding of current disability or a link to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for a Travel Board hearing at the RO. The issues include service connection claims and rating disputes.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and determining if certain issues are on appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss disability and tinnitus were not incurred in or aggravated by military service. The evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The Board has determined that additional development is necessary prior to the adjudication of these claims.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there is an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence supporting these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus are being remanded to the RO for rescheduling of a Board video-conference hearing.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and evaluation of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to procedural issues, including the need for a hearing before all panel members who will ultimately decide the appeal.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for further development, including scheduling a Board personal hearing before a Veterans Law Judge seated at the RO (Travel Board hearing).

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded due to inadequate discussion of the reasons and bases supporting the decision, a duty to assist deficiency, and an insufficient medical opinion addressing his employability.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable, reflecting Level I hearing bilaterally.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional service records and arranging a videoconference hearing.

The Board denied service connection for a lumbar spine disability and denied an increased evaluation for bilateral hearing loss prior to June 4, 2010.

The Board found that the Veteran did not have current hearing loss disability for VA compensation purposes and thus denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss. Service connection was also denied for tinnitus as there is no evidence of a current disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss is causally related to his military service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The Veteran's current hearing loss and tinnitus are found to be related to his military service, including noise exposure during his time in Vietnam.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is attributable to service and the Board finds that it was incurred therein.