Hearing loss decisions — 2012

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for right ear hearing loss due to new evidence submitted. The Veteran's epididymitis is currently rated at 10 percent, which requires long-term drug therapy but does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for a higher rating for diabetes mellitus, service connection for bilateral hearing loss, and service connection for tinnitus. The evidence did not show that treatment of his diabetes required regulation of activities, there was no indication that his hearing loss or tinnitus began during service, and he provided inconsistent statements regarding when these conditions started.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss are related to service, granting service connection for both conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him so helpless as to be in need of regular aid and attendance of another person, warranting special monthly compensation based on the need for the regular aid and attendance of another person.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability but granted it for psoriasis. The decision is mixed as some issues were granted and others not.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, effective December 1, 2006. The Veteran has also been granted service connection for tinnitus with a 10% disability rating effective December 1, 2006.

The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD and thus denied service connection for this condition. The claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, residuals of left ankle injury, and residuals of left fifth finger injury were also denied as there was no competent medical evidence showing current disabilities.

The Board denied the reopening of claims for service connection for nose disorder, psychiatric disability, right knee disability, and sinusitis. The Veteran's hearing loss claim is being remanded.

The Veteran's hearing loss disability was rated as noncompensable before December 13, 2008, and increased to 10 percent after that date. The Board found the Veteran not entitled to a rating higher than 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the earliest effective date for service connection of bilateral hearing loss is June 29, 2009.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service, including exposure to acoustic trauma as an air traffic control radar repairman. As a result, both conditions have been granted service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for further action due to a request for a Travel Board hearing. The issues of whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for tinnitus, and entitlement to service connection for left ear hearing loss are pending.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to inadequate medical opinions and further examination.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for a hearing loss disability and remanded it for further development.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was reduced from 10 percent to noncompensable effective February 1, 2004. His cervical spine disability and status-post removal of colon polyps were not increased in rating.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining an opinion regarding his employability and considering all of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is service-connected based on credible evidence of an in-service personal assault. The other claims for service connection are denied as there is no current diagnosis or supporting evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, vertigo, and denied a higher initial evaluation for residuals of a right hand laceration.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for the claims of bilateral hearing loss, residuals of shell fragment wound with scarring and damage to Muscle Groups VI and VII of the right arm, residuals of fracture of right ulna with arthritis, and partial paralysis of the right ulnar nerve. The Board therefore dismisses these issues.

The Veteran's service connection claims for right knee, left knee, back disorder, and chest keloid scar have been granted. The Board finds further development is necessary to determine the nature, extent, onset, and etiology of any hypertension, hearing loss, or sinus disorder.