Hearing loss decisions — 2012

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied as there is no legal basis for the assignment of a schedular evaluation in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus. The Veteran was provided adequate VCAA notice, but additional development is required prior to appellate review.

The Board found no evidence of in-service noise exposure or hearing loss, and the VA examiner's opinion was that current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are less likely related to service. The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to assess the severity of his left ear hearing loss and tinnitus. The claim for service connection for tinnitus will be reconsidered based on new evidence provided by the Veteran.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability for which service connection can be granted, including bilateral hearing loss. The claims of entitlement to service connection for an eye disability and deep vein thrombosis with pulmonary embolism are denied. Claims for increased ratings for left knee, low back, and right fifth finger disabilities are also denied.

The Veteran's service connection for PTSD has been granted, and he is currently rated at 50 percent. The Board finds that the Veteran suffered acoustic trauma from an explosion during combat service and has had continuous hearing difficulties since then, resulting in current bilateral hearing loss disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his active service, including exposure to noise during combat in Vietnam. As such, these conditions have been granted as service-connected.

The Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is found to be incurred in active military service, as it can be reasonably disassociated from his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and sleep apnea are related to his military service, granting service connection for both conditions.

The Veteran's appeal to reopen his claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been withdrawn.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are etiologically related to his military service, granting service connection for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient development of evidence regarding the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The case will be returned to the RO/AMC for further action.

The Board denied service connection for right ear hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current hearing impairment did not manifest within one year of separation from service and was not related to his military service. The claim is dismissed.

The Board found that the reduction in the evaluation for bilateral hearing loss from 50 to 0 percent was proper based on improved audiometric test results.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss. The VHA medical expert opinion supports a finding that the Veteran's current left ear hearing loss is related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder disability, right middle ear damage with hearing loss, and memory loss are related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of Meniere's disease, bilateral hearing loss, or an acquired psychiatric disorder that is related to his military service.

The Board granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and Meniere's disease effective October 27, 2006. The Veteran was assigned a 10% rating for bilateral hearing loss from that date until September 15, 2010, when the rating was increased to 10%. Service connection for chronic physical disability characterized by malaise and Meniere's disease were also granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to noise exposure during his service in the Air Force Reserves, particularly on the flight line. As such, these conditions have been granted service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's conditions are related to his military service.

The Board found that the appellant did not have a current disability of bilateral hearing loss for VA purposes, as there is no evidence showing it within one year after service discharge. The medical records do not show any hearing loss in either ear during or after service.