Hearing loss decisions — 2013

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss was found to be at Level II, which corresponds to a noncompensable evaluation under the VA rating schedule.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss disability was found to be at the Level I impairment, which corresponds to a noncompensable rating. The claim for an initial compensable rating is denied.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the medical evidence did not support a link between current hearing problems and military noise exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is related to his service, as it was aggravated by service.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board issuing a decision.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss has not resulted in a compensable evaluation for any period of time during the appeal.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been dismissed due to his death.

The Board denied service connection for a heart disorder, Bell's palsy, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The Veteran was exposed to noise during service but his hearing levels were normal at the time of separation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is not related to his service, and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to have had its onset during service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition. The right foot and left foot disabilities are remanded for additional examination.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, including consideration of in-service noise exposure and treatment for ear disorders. The claims are being remanded for these purposes.

The Board finds that service connection is granted for tinnitus, but not for left ear hearing loss or renal cancer of the left kidney.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is likely due to his in-service noise exposure and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is related to in-service noise exposure during combat operations, and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's initial noncompensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss remains unchanged as his symptoms have not met the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has found that the Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss does not warrant a higher initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for any period.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is as likely as not due to noise exposure during his active duty service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment for which his education and occupational experience would otherwise qualify.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, particularly his right and left knee disabilities, render him unemployable. The Board grants entitlement to TDIU based on the severity of these conditions.

The Veteran's service connection claim for bilateral hearing loss is granted as his current hearing problems are considered to be related to in-service noise exposure.