Hearing loss decisions — 2012

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a right or left ankle disability, or a right knee disability, that is related to his active service. The evidence of record does not support a finding that any current disabilities are etiologically linked to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current diagnoses of bilateral hearing loss or tinnitus, and thus, service connection for these conditions cannot be granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are at least as likely as not related to military noise exposure during service, including exposure to gunfire. As such, these conditions have been granted service connection.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for bilateral hearing loss, which he claims was caused by in-service noise exposure. The case has been remanded to obtain SSA records and a VA examination to determine the etiology of his hearing loss.

The Veteran's claims for hearing loss, tinnitus, and residuals of a fractured right jaw were denied as there was no evidence of current disabilities or service connection.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss prior to April 11, 2012, and a disability rating higher than 10 percent since that date has been denied. The evidence does not support the assignment of any higher ratings.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss has been withdrawn.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO due to scheduling issues for a video-conference hearing. The claims for service connection on various conditions are pending.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete records and need for further medical examinations.

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

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and an increased evaluation for traumatic encephalopathy are being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection, including obtaining medical records and conducting examinations.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death. The Board does not have jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of the claims as he died during the pendency of the appeal.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss is found to be related to service, while his tinnitus is not. The Board grants the claims for bilateral hearing loss and denies the claim for tinnitus.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining his VA treatment records and SSA disability decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left ear hearing loss disability was incurred in active duty military service and is granted.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The case will be remanded for further action.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent, as his hearing acuity is no worse than Level III in the right ear and Level V in the left ear.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is at least as likely as not caused by his service-connected perforated right eardrum and chronic otitis media, which he sustained during active service. As such, service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected left ear hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable, with the most recent VA examination showing no worse than Level V impairment.