Hearing loss decisions — 2012

The Veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection as it is considered to be incurred during active duty due to noise exposure. The issue of a higher initial rating for right ear hearing loss has been withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased evaluation for bilateral hearing loss has been granted, but the RO/AMC is instructed to schedule a VA audiological examination to determine the current severity of his disability and consider whether it warrants a higher rating.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not shown in service or for many years thereafter, and are not related to any in-service noise exposure.,Coronary artery disease was first manifested more than one year after service and is not related to service. Hypertension was also first manifested more than one year after service and is not related to service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability was evaluated as noncompensable prior to November 13, 2008 and a rating in excess of 10 percent from that date has not been met.

The Board has granted service connection for cancer of the head, neck, and throat due to Agent Orange exposure.,Service connection was also granted for bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA audiological examination. The issue of an increased evaluation for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss remains on appeal.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, but has not decided whether these conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA audiological and ear, nose and throat examinations.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for additional development, including scheduling a VA audiometric examination and obtaining any pertinent medical records.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear hearing loss, but denied the claim for an initial compensable evaluation for right ear hearing loss. The Veteran is entitled to a noncompensable rating for his bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are found to be related to service exposure, resulting in a grant of service connection for both conditions.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus. The Veteran's BHL and tinnitus are found to be related to his active duty service.

The Board has determined that the reduction of the evaluation for Meniere's Disease with bilateral hearing loss from 60 percent to 30 percent was improper, and restored the original 60 percent rating.

The Board has determined that additional medical records are needed to support the Veteran's claims for service connection, and a remand is required to obtain these records. The Veteran also needs an addendum to his March 2009 VA examination and an orthopedic examination.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred in or aggravated by his active military service. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's initial claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was granted, and he is currently rated at 20% since July 1, 2011. The average pure tone thresholds in both ears are now within the range that warrants a 20% disability rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disorder, left knee disorder, and bilateral hearing loss are all attributable to service. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death. The claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, lung disorder, and bladder cancer have been denied, as well as the claim for a TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his in-service noise exposure, granting service connection for these conditions.