Hearing loss decisions — 2012

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination and opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss. The claim will be readjudicated after this is done.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are rated at 70 percent combined, meeting the schedular requirements for a TDIU rating. However, due to other non-service connected disabilities, the Board finds that he is not unemployable solely based on his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's initial rating for bilateral hearing loss disability is denied as the evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The preponderance of the evidence shows that the Veteran is not unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment by reason of his service-connected disabilities, thus denying entitlement to TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the etiology of his right knee and leg condition, as well as supplemental opinions regarding his hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Veteran's hearing loss in the left ear has been rated at 10 percent since February 2, 2004. The evidence does not show that his hearing loss is more severe than what was initially assigned.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are likely due to his combat-related exposure to hazardous noise levels during his service, including in the Republic of Vietnam. The benefit of doubt is applied in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is as likely as not due to acoustic trauma during his military service in combat, and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for dental problems, a heart disorder, an acquired psychiatric disorder, and bilateral hearing loss. The appeals were based on direct service connection criteria.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss disability has been rated as noncompensable since November 6, 2008. The VA audiological evaluation showed a Level I hearing impairment in each ear.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and depression as the evidence did not show they were incurred in or caused by service. The Veteran's current diagnoses are related to his military noise exposure.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss disability and tinnitus were found to be related to his service, while right ear hearing loss was not shown during the appeal period.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination and further development of the claims.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions and records related to hearing loss, tinnitus, and sleep apnea.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to the withdrawal of his claims by his authorized representative prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is related to in-service noise exposure and grants service connection for this condition.

The VA denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of right ear hearing loss, finding that there is no current disability meeting VA criteria and noting that any in-service noise exposure did not result in a hearing loss disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for a medical examination to determine the nature and etiology of any hearing loss, tinnitus, and psychiatric disabilities.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability, as evaluated by the VA audiologist in July 2009, does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under the applicable VA rating schedule. The Veteran's current pure tone thresholds and speech recognition scores do not warrant a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to schedule a DRO hearing before the RO. The issues of service connection for tinnitus, psychiatric disability (including depression and PTSD), and an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for bilateral hearing loss disability will be reconsidered.