Hearing loss decisions — 2012

The Board has determined that there is no current diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder and a right ear hearing loss disability. The Veteran's service connection claims for major depressive disorder, sleep disorder, left ear hearing loss disability, and tinnitus have been denied.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current mild left ear hearing loss does not meet VA disability compensation criteria and there is no evidence of a current disability related to service. Right ear hearing loss was found to be related to active duty service.

The Board found no confirmed clinical diagnosis of PTSD and denied the claim for service connection. The issue of service connection for bilateral hearing loss is addressed in a separate REMAND.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, left foot and ankle disorders, and shoulder, back, and leg disorders. The most probative evidence did not indicate a relationship between these conditions and his active service.

The Board found no evidence of a nexus between the Veteran's in-service acoustic trauma and his current right ear hearing loss, and thus denied service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss and hypertension was denied. The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current disability as defined by VA regulations for left ear hearing loss, and there is no evidence of a nexus between his current hypertension condition and service or service-connected PTSD.

The Board found that the Veteran's current right ear hearing loss disability pre-existed service and was not aggravated by in-service noise exposure, thus denying service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss of the right ear and for increased evaluations for chronic low back strain with osteoarthritis. The Board found no evidence linking current hearing loss to active service, and concluded that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent or a higher evaluation from November 4, 2011.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is necessary to determine the nature and etiology of the claimed cardiac disability, left ear hearing loss, headaches, arthralgias and body joint popping, and throat muscle swelling. The claims are being remanded for these examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including posttraumatic stress disorder and bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

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

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus. The Veteran served in an artillery unit, which exposed him to significant noise. His current bilateral sensorineural hearing loss is considered a result of his active duty service. Tinnitus was also found to be related to his hearing loss.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and determined that new and material evidence has been submitted. The Board also found that there is at least equipoise evidence in favor of a finding that the current hearing loss is related to military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including Scheuermann's disease with degenerative disc disease, GERD with hiatal hernia, bilateral hearing loss, mechanical episodic brachial plexus compression radiculopathy of the right upper extremity, mechanical episodic brachial plexus compression radiculopathy of the left upper extremity, and tinnitus, are found to be so disabling as to render him unable to care for his daily personal needs or protect himself from the hazards and dangers of daily living without regular aid and attendance. The Veteran's need for such aid is granted.

The Board has determined that a VA examination and medical opinion are needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's claimed bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as any outstanding treatment records need to be obtained.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional VA and non-VA records, as well as SSA records. The case will be readjudicated after these records are obtained.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left ear hearing loss had its onset during his period of service in 1991 and is therefore granted service connection. The Board found no evidence to support a finding that the Veteran's cervical spine degenerative disk disease was incurred or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his right ear hearing loss was denied as the audiometric test results did not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating.

The Board found that the Veteran's preexisting hearing loss did not increase in severity during service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and for a higher rate of SMC authorized by 38 U.S.C.A. § 1114(r).