Hearing loss decisions — 2012

The November 10, 1958 rating decision denying service connection for defective hearing was not clearly and unmistakably erroneous. The Veteran's hearing loss did not meet VA criteria for a compensable disability at the time of his separation from service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus, finding that there is no evidence of in-service injury or disease related to these conditions.

The Board denied service connection for a psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, hearing loss, and tinnitus. The Veteran's statements regarding these conditions were deemed not competent evidence.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is not service-connected due to lack of in-service noise exposure. The left ear hearing loss does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are being remanded due to the need for additional examination and development of his claims.

The VA denied a rating in excess of 30 percent for the Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss, finding that his current level of impairment warrants this rating.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a VA audiologic examination and obtaining pertinent medical records.

The Board found that the Veteran's hearing loss disability is not related to service, as it was more likely due to noise exposure after service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently evaluated at a 30 percent rating as of September 2, 2011. The previous evaluation was 10 percent prior to that date.

The Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus were not shown to be related to service, and he does not meet the income requirements for nonservice-connected disability pension benefits.,The Veteran's countable income exceeded the applicable maximum annual pension rate (MAPR) for the time period in question.

The Veteran withdrew his claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus prior to the Board's decision.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a VA audiological examination to determine the current level of his service-connected bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, bilateral hearing loss, and numbness of the arms, shoulders, and left leg were all granted service connection. The Veteran does not have a current disability for VA purposes related to his bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, hypertension, prostate disorder, arthritis of major joints other than the knees, low back disorder, right knee disorder, and left knee disorder were denied as there is no evidence of a current disability or an in-service event that could be linked to these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations were denied. The Board found that the current disability ratings assigned are appropriate.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to a need for a VA examination to determine if there is a link between his current conditions and his active service.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, major depression, PTSD, hypertension with CAD, chronic fatigue syndrome, and bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's conditions are found to be related to his military service.

The Veteran does not have right ear hearing loss for VA compensation purposes and his left ear hearing loss is only manifested by level I hearing. The Board finds that service connection for right ear hearing loss is not warranted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for acquired psychiatric disorder, right leg disorder, left hip disorder, hearing loss, and respiratory disorder. The low back strain claim was also denied as it did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability has been clinically shown to be manifested by no worse than Level I hearing in both ears, and he is therefore not entitled to a compensable initial rating.