Hearing loss decisions — 2012

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to scheduling issues for a Travel Board hearing. His claims for increased ratings for cervical spine arthritis, right shoulder rotator cuff syndrome, and bilateral hearing loss are still pending.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for tinnitus, finding that his complaints are related to active service. However, the claim for bilateral hearing loss was denied as there is no evidence of a current disability within one year after discharge from service and the audiometric test results did not meet VA criteria for hearing loss.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a respiratory disability and bilateral hearing loss, finding that there was no evidence to support these claims based on direct service connection. The Veteran did not have any in-service symptoms or exposure related to these conditions.

The Board found no credible evidence of complaints or treatment for bilateral hearing loss and hypertension in service, nor any probative evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's military service. Therefore, service connection was denied.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's credible statements establish he was in the vicinity of an airplane crash during service, which contributed to his current hearing loss and ringing in ears.

Throughout the appeal period, bilateral hearing loss has been manifested by hearing loss corresponding to, at the worst levels shown, auditory acuity level II in the right ear and level IV in the left ear. The schedular criteria are adequate.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that these conditions are related to in-service acoustic trauma.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss disability is manifested by no more than Level I hearing acuity in both ears, and the criteria for a compensable evaluation have not been met.

The appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant through his authorized representative before a decision was made.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an initial compensable evaluation for service-connected bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied as there is no evidence showing that his hearing acuity had declined to the extent warranting a compensable rating prior to April 16, 2008. A 10 percent rating has been granted effective from April 16, 2008.

The Veteran's right ear fungal infection is rated at 40 percent effective November 3, 2011. The Board has granted an increased rating for the residuals of a fungal infection of the right ear and denied entitlement to TDIU.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated at 10 percent since March 24, 2011. The appeal for higher ratings is denied.

The Board finds that the evidence is at least in equipoise regarding whether the appellant's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service, specifically noise exposure during National Guard duty. Service connection for these conditions is granted.

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 Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus, finding that there was no evidence showing a relationship between his current disabilities and his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for chronic bronchitis, bilateral hearing loss, and right hand injury residuals due to lack of evidence showing a current disability related to in-service injuries or conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his service, including noise exposure. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, major depression, and a sleep disorder, is currently rated at 50 percent. The appeal for an increased rating has been granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is not service connected. The claim for higher initial evaluation of bilateral hearing loss remains pending and will be addressed in a separate remand.