Hearing loss decisions — 2013

The Veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for residuals of a fractured nose with a deviated septum was denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 6502.,Service connection for left ear hearing loss disability was also denied because post-service VA audiology examination results showed that the Veteran does not have a left ear hearing disability for VA compensation purposes.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's hearing loss, as well as to obtain updated VA treatment records. The case will be returned to the RO for further action.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hearing loss, right little finger injury residuals, and bilateral knee disability are all related to his service. The decision grants these claims.

The VA determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not warrant a compensable disability rating, as his audiometric test results did not meet the criteria for any higher evaluation.

The case is being remanded to the RO for further development, including obtaining post-May 2011 treatment records from the Memphis VA Medical Center and providing an appropriate VA examination for a TDIU claim. The Veteran's tinnitus claim will also be adjudicated.

The Veteran meets the percentage requirements for a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities, and the medical evidence indicates that these disabilities prevent him from obtaining and retaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board found that the appellant's left ear hearing loss disability, as evidenced by audiometric testing results, does not warrant an initial compensable rating. The VA examinations showed consistent non-compensable levels of hearing impairment in both ears.

The Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is not service-connected as it did not manifest during or within one year after his military service, and there is no evidence of a chronic condition in service. The Board finds that the Veteran was exposed to loud noises while on active duty but does not have sufficient continuity of symptoms to establish a nexus between his current hearing loss and service.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss. The appeal of the remaining issues, including diabetes mellitus type II due to Agent Orange Exposure, is dismissed.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, stomach disability (GERD), and boils around the foot were denied as there is no current evidence of these conditions during or after service.,Service connection was not granted because the Veteran did not present a prima facie case for any of these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected right knee chondromalacia patella, left knee effusion, and bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. The Veteran's lumbar strain/myositis, left shoulder degenerative joint disease with impingement, and plantar fascia fibromatosis were all rated as 20 percent disabling.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities or a link to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to a hearing issue and will schedule a Travel Board or video conference hearing at the RO.

The Veteran's appeal regarding increased ratings for left ear hearing loss and bilateral tinnitus is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing a VA examination.

The Board has determined that further development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. This includes obtaining VA treatment records, as well as scheduling a new VA examination to determine the etiology of his current hearing disabilities.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and finds that new evidence received since the final March 1998 decision raises a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to uncertainties regarding whether the Veteran has bilateral hearing loss and its etiology, as well as the need for additional development of his personnel file.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was denied as his combined service-connected disability rating did not meet the schedular criteria for a total disability rating due to individual unemployability prior to November 1, 2009.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to incomplete records, including VA audiological examination results. The Veteran's hearing loss is currently considered ratable by VA standards, but further clarification on its etiology is needed.