Hearing loss decisions — 2012

The Board finds that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is related to his exposure to noise during active duty service, and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to the need for medical examinations and opinions regarding the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the issues of service connection for a respiratory disorder and entitlement to a compensable rating for a hearing loss disability.

The Board has determined that the reduction of the evaluation for a right buttock scar from 10 percent to noncompensable was proper, as it was supported by evidence in the record and complied with applicable due process laws and regulations.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU on an extraschedular basis has been remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination and opinion regarding the impact of his service-connected disabilities and prescribed medications on his employability.

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings for bilateral hearing loss has been denied. The evidence of record does not support the assignment of a compensable rating under the applicable schedular criteria.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss and lumbar strain are being remanded due to the need to obtain additional active duty service treatment records. The VA examiners will provide updated medical opinions based on these records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of service connection for urinary incontinence, peripheral neuropathy, vasculitis, residuals of a head injury, bilateral hearing loss, PTSD, or status post meatotomy due to urethritis.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete evaluation of audiometric test results and additional private audiology reports need to be interpreted.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus as the Veteran did not have a current disability due to in-service noise exposure, and there was no evidence of such. The maximum schedular rating for left ulnar neuropathy has been granted.

The Board has determined that the appellant's bilateral knee disability did not manifest in service or for many years thereafter, and is unrelated to service. The claim for service connection for a bilateral knee disability is denied.

The Board has determined that a new VA examination and opinion are needed to address the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as whether any pre-existing left ear hearing loss disability was aggravated by service. The case is REMANDED for these actions.

The Veteran's hearing loss has been rated as noncompensable prior to April 27, 2009 and at a 10 percent rating since that date. The Board found the evidence did not support higher ratings.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need to obtain additional medical records and provide further development before a final decision can be made on the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable, with an average pure tone threshold of 33 decibels in the right ear and 36 decibels in the left ear. The Board finds no evidence to support a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for increased rating of PTSD and service connection for various conditions including a sleep disorder, lung disorder, skin disorder, gunshot wounds to the chest and back, and hearing loss.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's other claims remain denied.

The Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is related to in-service acoustic trauma and the Board finds that service connection for this condition is warranted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as there is no current disability meeting VA regulations.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is not related to his military service, as there was no evidence of hearing loss during or immediately after service. The only competent opinion against the claim is from a June 2012 VA examiner.