Hearing loss decisions — 2013

The Board found that the Veteran's left ear hearing loss was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and may not be presumed to have been incurred or aggravated therein.

The Veteran's hearing loss in both ears is rated as noncompensable, with no worse than Level VI for his right ear and no worse than Level I for his left ear. The Board finds that the criteria for a compensable rating have not been met.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a VA audiological examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA audiological examination.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to the death of the appellant, and no jurisdiction remains for the merits of the claim.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is currently rated at 10 percent, and the evidence does not support a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated at 30 percent, effective August 27, 2008. His chronic otitis media with Eustachian tube dysfunction has been rated at 10 percent since April 25, 2001.

The Veteran's service-connected hearing loss of the left ear is rated as noncompensable under VA rating criteria. The current schedular rating criteria reasonably describe his level and symptomatology, and as the manifestations are wholly encompassed by the schedular criteria, the schedular criteria are not rendered impractical.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is currently rated at 30 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available for this condition. The evidence does not support a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development of the record, including obtaining VA treatment records and clarifying opinions from the January 2013 VA examiner regarding his balance problems and inner ear disorder.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examination and consideration of newly submitted private medical records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for epistaxis and bilateral hearing loss disability are granted, with effective dates based on the date of receipt of his claims. The claim for diabetes mellitus is denied as it was not received within one year after separation from service.

The Veteran's claim for higher SMC based on the need for aid and attendance has been denied as he does not meet the criteria for such benefits due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, right shoulder disability, throat ulcers, hypertension, GERD, and fatigue. The decision is based on the current evidence not showing additional impairment beyond sensory disturbances in both feet.

The Veteran's asthma and left ear hearing loss are being reviewed on their merits, with a focus on the relationship to service. The right ear hearing loss claim is also being considered, including for secondary service connection. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability is under consideration.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for an eye disorder has been withdrawn. The Board finds no evidence of a current hearing loss disability under VA guidelines, thus denying the claim for bilateral hearing loss. Service connection is granted for tinnitus as it was incurred during active duty and continues to persist.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for another Travel Board hearing, and the claim is not about service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea syndrome, bilateral hearing loss, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) have been denied. The evidence received since previous decisions does not provide a basis to reopen any of these claims.

The Board has determined that the April 2009 rating decision, which denied reopening a claim for service connection, was issued in error due to the receipt of additional service department records. The case is now remanded for reconsideration.