Hearing loss decisions — 2012

The Board has remanded the case due to a failure to schedule a videoconference hearing. The Veteran's appeal for service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus remains pending.

The Veteran's claim for increased rating of his psychiatric disability was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on the severity of his symptoms.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, polyneuropathy of the upper and lower extremities (secondary to service-connected disability), initial rating in excess of 10 percent for diabetes mellitus, initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD, and total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disability(ies).

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is related to exposure to acoustic trauma in service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral pes planus, or for an initial compensable rating for left shoulder osteoarthritis. His hearing loss was not related to military noise exposure, but his tinnitus is etiologically related to service. PTSD and chronic depression were not found to be service-connected.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus was denied as there is no evidence of a current disability meeting the criteria for a hearing loss disability or tinnitus, respectively. The Board notes that the Veteran's DD Form 214 should be obtained to determine his military occupational specialty.

The Board found no evidence of a causal connection between the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and his active service, including noise exposure. The Veteran's hearing loss was attributed to Meniere's disease.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for a tonsil disability, which represents a complete grant of the benefit sought on appeal. The Veteran's long-standing history of tonsillitis is presumed to have existed prior to her military service.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is rated as noncompensable (0 percent), and his appendectomy scar is not service-connected. The claims for increased ratings are granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that there was no evidence of a ratable disability and thus no relationship to military service.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to address the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to potential worsening of his condition and to provide him with proper notice.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss but denied service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Board has reopened the claim of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and granted service connection. The Veteran's current hearing loss is related to his active duty service, as evidenced by his exposure to noise during service. Tinnitus was not shown in service or related to service.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully and fairly consider the Veteran's claims, including obtaining treatment records from Waco Cardiology and determining whether his May 2003 lung problems occurred during a period of ACDUTRA or INACDUTRA.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable, with puretone thresholds not exceeding the levels required for a compensable evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus are not related to his active service, as evidenced by pre-existing conditions at entry into service and no evidence of aggravation during service. As such, the claims for service connection have been denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral vision disorder and bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran was not diagnosed with these conditions during or after his military service, and there is no evidence of record showing that he currently suffers from these disabilities. As such, the claim for service connection for these conditions must be denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further action, including scheduling a hearing before a member of the Board.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that this rating adequately reflects his current condition.