Hearing loss decisions — 2012

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability was rated as noncompensable since the date of service connection in January 1986. The VA audio examination report dated in September 2006 showed Level II hearing impairment in the right ear and Level III hearing impairment in the left ear, based on puretone threshold average and speech discrimination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and a higher than 30 percent rating for pulmonary asbestosis with asthma and COPD. The decision found that the Veteran's left ear hearing loss was manifested by no more than Level III hearing in the right ear and Level II hearing in the left ear, which did not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal of the appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need to obtain additional private treatment records and possibly a new VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and flat feet were denied. The claim for an initial rating higher than 10 percent for residuals of a right malleolus fracture was also denied. The claim for service connection for a right knee disability is pending as the Board has remanded it.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, while sufficient to meet the schedular requirements for a TDIU, do not preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board found no evidence of a current hearing loss disability or tinnitus related to service, and thus denied the Veteran's claims for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is at least as likely as not incurred during his period of service. The issue of bilateral sensorineural hearing loss remains pending and will be addressed in a separate remand.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is causally related to his military service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear hearing loss, right hip degenerative joint disease (DJD), and right knee degenerative joint disease (DJD).

The Board found that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss was not incurred in or aggravated by service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, including obtaining relevant VA treatment records and scheduling a comprehensive VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is related to his military service, as evidenced by the normal audiometric findings at separation and the in-service notation of hearing problems. The Veteran's current hearing loss disability was not shown during service or within one year thereafter.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA audiological and medical examinations to determine the current severity of his bilateral hearing loss and the nature and etiology of his claimed hypertension and heart disease disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was not incurred or aggravated during service and is not shown to have developed as a result of an established event, injury, or disease during active service. The claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed in order to make a full determination on the Veteran's claims, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and any relevant SSA and USPS records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current bilateral hearing loss or tinnitus that is related to his military service, and thus denied both claims for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance or at the housebound rate.

The Veteran's appeal for increased evaluations of his left ear hearing loss and vertigo was granted. He is now receiving a 30 percent evaluation for vertigo, effective since June 1, 2009.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining SSA disability benefits records and conducting VA examinations.