Hearing loss decisions — 2012

The Board has granted the appellant's claims for service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder and tinnitus, finding that these conditions were incurred during his military service. The other issues related to esophageal ulcer, duodenal condition, hypertension, dermatitis, bilateral hearing loss, and fatigue have been withdrawn by the appellant.

The Board has determined that a new examination is necessary to determine the current nature of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, and whether any hearing loss disability and tinnitus are possibly related to service, including in-service noise exposure from his MOS as a light weapons infantry crewman (rifle fire, machine gun fire, howitzer fire and blasts, and .45 caliber pistol fire).

The Veteran seeks service connection for bilateral hearing loss and a respiratory condition. The Board has determined that additional development is needed, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for appropriate examinations to determine the etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a videoconference hearing. The initial rating for his hearing loss condition remains under review.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral knee osteoarthritis and hearing loss, do not render him unemployable as he is still capable of performing sedentary work.

The Board has remanded the appellant's claims for bilateral hearing loss, colitis, and TDIU due to issues not being fully addressed in previous decisions. The appellant needs a VA examination regarding his hearing loss claim and his initial rating for colitis must be reconsidered.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss disability is currently rated as zero percent disabling, based on the results of VA and private audiometric evaluations conducted in October 2006, September 2007, and September 2008. The current evaluation reflects level I hearing acuity in both ears.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and consideration of all evidence.

The Veteran's arthritis of the left elbow is found to be as likely as not related to his active duty service. The Board grants this claim.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his request for a Board hearing. The case will be scheduled for a video conference hearing at the RO before a Veterans Law Judge as soon as possible.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not warrant a compensable rating under VA disability evaluation criteria.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to in-service noise exposure, resulting in a grant of service connection for both conditions.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a hearing loss disability of the right ear as defined by VA regulations. The claim for service connection for tinnitus is granted.

The Board finds that the Veteran's tinnitus is likely related to his period of service, and grants service connection for this condition. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's other claims are remanded to obtain additional medical opinions and records.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and a right shoulder disorder. The case is REMANDED to obtain relevant medical records, arrange for VA examinations, and readjudicate the claims.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling an appropriate VA examination.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied as his current level of disability does not warrant a compensable evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is at least as likely as not due to noise exposure during his military service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has been rated at 20 percent, the maximum schedular rating available. The Board finds that a higher initial disability rating is not warranted.