Hearing loss decisions — 2013

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is related to active service and has been granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are service-connected, with no presumption or secondary theory of connection.

The Veteran's initial claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied as his current level of hearing impairment does not meet the criteria for any higher evaluation under VA's schedular guidelines.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for clarification of private audiological reports and a new VA examination, as well as issuance of an SOC on the increased rating and reopening claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is etiologically related to his military service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are incurred in service, with sufficient evidence to support a finding of service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's current hearing loss and low back disability were not incurred in or aggravated by service, and denied these claims. The right thigh disability was also denied as there are no residuals of a reported injury.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability has been rated as noncompensable, and the Board finds that a compensable rating is not warranted based on the current evidence of record.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for sinusitis, rhinitis associated with sinusitis, and external otitis were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show three or more incapacitating episodes of sinusitis per year requiring prolonged antibiotic treatment, or more than six non-incapacitating episodes characterized by headaches, pain, and purulent discharge or crusting.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability. The Veteran's allegations of significant in-service noise exposure are considered, along with a private audiologist's opinion, leading to the conclusion that reopening is warranted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to noise exposure during his active service, thus granting service connection for these conditions.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is related to his in-service noise exposure as an aircraft engine mechanic, and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations and readjudication of the claims. The TDIU claim will be addressed in light of any new evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for additional development, including obtaining an addendum opinion from the VA examiner regarding whether the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service. The TDIU claim is also inextricably intertwined and must be addressed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is granted. The Board finds that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss was the result of his military noise exposure.

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

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss has been evaluated as zero percent (noncompensable) since April 1997, and the current evaluations of 10 percent from August 26, 2009 to June 11, 2010, and 20 percent since June 11, 2010. The Board finds no evidence supporting a higher rating.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss prior to September 26, 2012, and a subsequent 20 percent rating thereafter have been granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for higher evaluations for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss disability, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable or greater rating prior to April 12, 2010 and subsequent to that date.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for postoperative right ear otitis media was denied as there is no evidence of active disease or complications.,The Veteran's claim for an extra-schedular rating for bilateral hearing loss was also denied, as the schedular criteria adequately account for his disability.