Hearing loss decisions — 2013

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss and TDIU, finding that the evidence did not meet the schedular requirements for a higher evaluation or TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital on June 6, 2009 is denied as the treatment did not meet the criteria for emergency services and no VA facility was feasibly available.

The Veteran's tinnitus was incurred during active service. The Board has granted the claim for service connection for tinnitus.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss but denied service connection for left ear hearing loss.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for tinnitus and hearing loss, finding that there is sufficient evidence to support these findings. The claim for service connection for vertigo was also granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's claims for right ear hearing loss and tinnitus were not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence, and denied both claims as they did not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and additional medical opinion regarding the etiology of his current hearing loss.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The case is therefore REMANDED.

The Veteran requested withdrawal of his appeal for the issues regarding whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen claims for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, and right ear hearing loss. As a result, these issues are dismissed.

The Veteran's bilateral high frequency hearing loss prior to September 30, 2011, is not shown to be manifested by worse than a level V impairment in either ear. Beginning on or after September 30, 2011, the Veteran's bilateral high frequency hearing loss is not shown to be manifested by worse than a level V impairment in the right ear and level IX impairment in the left ear.

The Board has granted the claim for service connection for right ear hearing loss, resulting in a grant of service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The issue of tinnitus is being remanded to determine its relationship to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for additional development, including a VA examination and consideration of whether referral for extraschedular TDIU benefits is warranted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to assess his ability to work due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left ear hearing loss is not related to service, and his skin rash on toes is considered incurred in service.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss is found to be incurred in service and granted. The claim for a higher rating for Type II diabetes mellitus remains denied.

The case is being remanded to ensure compliance with the Board's previous remands, including scheduling examinations and obtaining clarifying opinions on the Veteran's employability.

The Board found that the Veteran's current diagnosed bilateral hearing loss did not begin during or as a result of his military service, including any noise exposure.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and service connection for left eye, low back, bilateral foot, and left knee disorders. The Veteran was not granted any new or material evidence to reopen his previously denied service connection claims.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's failure to appear for scheduled VA examinations and his withdrawal of his appeal. The case is now returned to the RO with instructions to verify whether the Veteran still wants to pursue his claims, request relevant SSA records, obtain any private or VA treatment records, and schedule additional VA examinations if requested.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was rated at 10 percent from February 23, 2009 to October 16, 2012 and increased to 50 percent on and after October 16, 2012. The Board denied the request for a higher rating.