Hearing loss decisions — 2012

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss has been manifested by no more than auditory acuity level II in the right ear and level II in the left ear, which does not warrant a compensable disability rating under Diagnostic Code 6100 for any period.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left ear hearing loss, a sleep disorder (claimed as PTSD), and cervical spine condition have been denied. The claim for increased rating of lumbar spine disability has also been denied.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss. However, the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is not considered to have been aggravated by active service or any incident thereof. The Board also found no credible supporting evidence for a claimed in-service stressor related to PTSD, thus denying service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include major depressive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder). Service connection was denied for headaches, a vestibular disorder, and unspecified muscle, joint and neck pain.

The Board has ordered the VA to obtain additional treatment records and will remand the case for further development.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher disability rating for bilateral hearing loss has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss, left ear hearing loss, and tinnitus. This includes obtaining relevant treatment records from VA facilities and private providers.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The Veteran served in Vietnam and was exposed to noise during combat, basic training, and radio operator school. He underwent three stapedectomies post-service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a third hearing before a Board member who will ultimately decide his case.

The Veteran's claim for restoration of a 20 percent rating for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including clarification from private examiners' reports and consideration of newly submitted evidence.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not warrant a compensable rating, as his most recent VA audiology examination showed levels of 58 and 68 in the right and left ears respectively, which are noncompensable under Diagnostic Code 6100.

The Board has determined that additional VA examinations and a search for private treatment records are needed to properly evaluate the Veteran's claims. The Veteran is also denied service connection for sciatica of the right lower extremity, tension headaches secondary to hypertension, bilateral hearing loss disability, degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, and hypertension.

The Veteran's service connection claims for hearing loss, tinnitus, and sleep apnea have been granted. The claim for a higher rating for PTSD with stuttering and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is pending. The TDIU issue remains unresolved.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining in-patient hospital records from Germany and VA treatment records prior to January 2000. The Veteran's claims of service connection for left ear hearing loss and cold injury residuals will be further evaluated based on the new evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is related to in-service noise exposure and granted service connection for this condition. The decision on hearing loss remains pending as it was not addressed in the current appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current hearing loss disability or hypertension, and therefore cannot establish service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant during the pendency of the appeal.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to determine if he has current hearing loss and tinnitus related to service, including noise exposure as a field wireman in an artillery unit. The RO should also obtain interpretations of private audiological reports.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied as his current hearing acuity does not warrant such a rating.

The Veteran's heart condition is presumed to be due to herbicide exposure in Vietnam, and he has a current diagnosis of coronary artery disease. His other claims are denied.

The Board has awarded service connection for residuals of jaw surgery, characterized by facial numbness. The Veteran's claims for hearing loss, tinnitus, and eye injuries are remanded for further development.