Hearing loss decisions — 2012

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to care for his daily needs without requiring the regular aid and attendance of another person, warranting special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board found that the Veteran's hearing loss disability and tinnitus were not incurred or aggravated by service, as there was no evidence of a current disability during service. The VA examinations concluded that his hearing loss was more likely due to presbycusis (age-related hearing loss), and his tinnitus was not related to service.

The Veteran is seeking a higher initial evaluation for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss. The RO granted service connection but assigned a noncompensable evaluation, and the Veteran contests this decision, citing difficulties with understanding conversation over background noise and excessive amplification of background noise when using hearing aids.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's appeals for reopening his claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, left shoulder disability, and lumbosacral strain have been withdrawn. The claim for an increased rating for right shoulder osteoarthritis was denied as there is no evidence showing a higher rating is warranted based on current symptoms.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable, and the Board finds that there has been no change in his hearing acuity over time to warrant a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is a result of noise exposure during service and grants entitlement to service connection.

The Board denied service connection for right ear hearing loss disability, finding no evidence of aggravation during service. Service connection was granted for left ear hearing loss disability with a noncompensable evaluation effective from July 27, 2009.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete service treatment records and inadequate VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are at least as likely as not related to his active military service, including noise exposure from weapons and farming activities.

The Veteran's claim for a special home adaptation grant is denied as he does not meet the eligibility criteria due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss has not been shown to warrant a compensable rating under the applicable VA rating criteria.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the death of the appellant, and no jurisdiction remains for further action.

The Board found that the Veteran's left ear hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred in or aggravated by military service, as there was no evidence of a significant increase in hearing loss during service. The VA examiner opined that the current hearing loss is more likely due to aging and post-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's hearing impairment, as determined by VA audiometric exams in 2006, 2008, and 2011, translates to a noncompensable rating. The Board finds that the evidence is insufficient to show a worsening of his bilateral hearing loss to a degree warranting an increased rating.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining medical records. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are being evaluated to determine if they preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient supporting data in the November 2008 VA examination reports, and a need for further audiological and otology examinations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding no clear and unmistakable evidence that these conditions pre-existed service or were aggravated by service. The VA examinations did not find a medical nexus between current hearing loss and tinnitus and service.

The Veteran's initial claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss has been denied as the disability level does not meet the criteria for any higher rating under VA's schedular rating criteria.

The VA has determined that the appellant's right ear hearing loss disability does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation under the applicable rating schedule.

The Veteran's appeals of entitlement to increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and PTSD have been dismissed due to the withdrawal by his representative.