Hearing loss decisions — 2013

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability has been evaluated as noncompensable throughout the appeal period. The most recent VA examination did not show any significant impairment in auditory acuity that would warrant a higher rating.

The Board found that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss did not have its clinical onset in service and is not otherwise related to active duty.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss disability, which was previously rated as noncompensable, is now rated at 10 percent effective from August 5, 2008.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss and finds that the evidence is at least in relative equipoise on whether the Veteran's current right ear hearing loss is related to acoustic trauma during his period of active service. The claims for osteopenia and right lower extremity DVT are remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability did not have its onset during service, was not shown to be related to noise exposure in service, and is unrelated to his service-connected tinnitus. As a result, the claim for service connection for a bilateral hearing loss disability is denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed conditions, including shrapnel wound of the left leg, malaria, hearing loss, and pulmonary tuberculosis, were not incurred or aggravated during his active duty service. The appeal was denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and ear infections with tinnitus has been reopened, and the Board finds that new and material evidence has been received to reopen these claims.,Service connection is established for a groin disorder (inguinal hernia) due to an in-service lifting injury.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for post-operative left knee internal derangement residuals due to receipt of new and material evidence. The claims for headaches, tinnitus, right ear hearing loss, left ear hearing loss, sleep apnea, and PTSD are all granted.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, a neck disability, and a psychiatric disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations to determine their etiology.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining clarification of private medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the current severity of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for a bilateral hearing loss disability is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and opinion regarding the relationship between his current hearing loss and in-service acoustic trauma.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss, including consideration of in-service noise exposure. The case will be remanded for this purpose.

The Veteran seeks service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, which he claims are related to his exposure to noise during active service. The VA examiner's opinion is inadequate due to the lack of a clear etiology without resorting to speculation.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss has been dismissed as he requested to withdraw his appeal.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to incomplete medical records and inadequate opinion regarding the relationship between his hearing loss and tinnitus and service. The case will be re-adjudicated after these issues are addressed.

The Veteran's claim for an extraschedular rating for left ear hearing loss since March 3, 2008 was denied as the disability is not considered exceptional and does not meet the criteria for an extraschedular evaluation.

The Board finds that the Veteran received prior authorization from VA for a hearing aid evaluation at a non-VA facility, which was within the validity period of the fee basis authorization letter. The treatment on November 21, 2011, is considered in accordance with the terms specified in the fee basis authorization.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been granted service connection. The issue of TDIU is pending as the AMC has already assigned a 100% disability rating for one of his service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including referral to the Director of Compensation Service for extraschedular consideration and review of the TDIU claim.

The case is being remanded for further development, including another VA examination to assess the relationship between current hearing loss and tinnitus and service. The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and bilateral tinnitus are currently pending.