Hearing loss decisions — 2013

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, based on the Veteran's combat experience in Vietnam. The claims for bilateral knee disorders, bilateral hearing loss, and a skin rash are remanded for further examination.

The Board has determined that the appellant's service-connected bilateral hearing loss does not warrant a compensable rating prior to June 26, 2012, and in excess of 10 percent thereafter.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss disability is granted as incurred in service. The Board found the evidence to be at least in equipoise and thus granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is related to his active duty service.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional development regarding the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome. The Veteran served in the U.S. Navy Reserve, including periods of active duty and inactive duty training.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial disability evaluation in excess of 40 percent for bilateral hearing loss has been dismissed due to the withdrawal by his representative.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his cervical spine disability and bilateral hearing loss, render him unemployable due to the physical limitations caused by these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for a left ear hearing loss disability, finding that the evidence supports a determination that it is related to acoustic trauma in service.

The Veteran's hearing loss was rated at 20 percent prior to February 22, 2011 and subsequently raised to 50 percent in March 2011. The evidence does not support a higher rating for the period from February 22, 2011 to November 1, 2012.

The Veteran does not have a hearing loss disability for VA purposes, and his right fifth finger disorder, left thumb and hand disorder, and left eye disorder are not service connected.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to his request for withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus was incurred in service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and industrial background.

The Board has determined that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are a result of or related to his active service. Service connection for these conditions is granted. The claim for left knee disability must be denied due to lack of competent evidence linking any current left knee disorder to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as he does not have a current disability. The claims for acquired psychiatric disorder, IBS, shortness of breath, and bilateral pes planus are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for hearing loss of the right ear was denied as his current level of hearing acuity does not warrant a compensable evaluation. The issues of service connection and increased ratings for other conditions remain unresolved.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain a new VA examination for his hearing loss and migraine headaches/IBS disabilities, as well as to obtain outstanding VA treatment records. The claims will be readjudicated after these actions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left ear hearing loss does not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent, as his puretone thresholds do not meet the criteria for an evaluation higher than 10 percent.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for right ear hearing loss and an initial rating in excess of 0 percent for left ear hearing loss, finding that there was no evidence to support a current disability or a link between his military service and his current conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing the Veteran with a new audiological examination to determine if his hearing loss is related to service.