Hearing loss decisions — 2013

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and to provide a VA examination. The TDIU claim will be adjudicated after the left shoulder service connection issue is resolved.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions have prevented him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran, and the RO/AMC must readjudicate the claim with consideration of this additional evidence.

The Board has determined that further medical opinion is needed to resolve the claim for service connection due to potential pre-service hearing loss and conflicting opinions in the record.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for additional action, including referral of his claim for an extra-schedular evaluation for service-connected bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's initial increased disability rating for bilateral hearing loss was granted, with a 10% evaluation effective June 30, 2011. The Veteran's service-connected hearing loss is characterized by recruitment, which affects his ability to hear in real-world situations.

The Veteran's initial claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied as his hearing impairment did not meet the criteria for any higher evaluation.

The Board is unable to determine whether the Veteran's service-connected PTSD and/or bilateral hearing loss caused his death, as there are conflicting opinions in the record. The case will be remanded for further clarification.

The Veteran does not have current bilateral hearing loss disability as defined by VA regulations, and therefore service connection for this condition is denied.

The Board has determined that further development is needed before the claim on appeal can be adjudicated. Specifically, clarification of the opinion rendered by the September 2012 VA audiological examination is necessary.

The Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss was not shown within one year of separation from service and did not meet the VA criteria for a disability during this period. Therefore, service connection is denied.

The Veteran's appeal includes multiple issues related to various disabilities, including hearing loss, elbow and knee conditions, spine disorders, foot problems, and a scar. The case is being remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are likely related to his period of active service, granting service connection for both conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability originated during his active service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are being remanded to the RO for further action, including scheduling a Travel Board hearing.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is at least as likely due to noise exposure during service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board found that the appellant's hearing loss did not manifest in service and is unrelated to service, thus denying his claim for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss and found that the Veteran's left ear hearing loss does not warrant a compensable rating under VA schedular criteria.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to incomplete development of his exposure to herbicides and noise exposure during service. The claims will be reconsidered after these issues are addressed.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss has been rated as noncompensable since October 13, 2009. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating.