Hearing loss decisions — 2013

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss is service-connected, as it is more likely than not related to his in-service noise exposure. The left ear hearing loss does not meet VA criteria for a disability. Service connection for residuals of vasectomy is denied due to lack of current evidence of any residual condition.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are found to be related to in-service noise exposure, warranting service connection for both conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a Board hearing at his local Regional Office. The issues of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations to determine the etiology of his hearing loss in the right ear and low back disorder.

The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for PTSD was granted, and he is now rated at 50 percent. The TDIU claim was also granted.

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

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and opinion.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss was evaluated as noncompensable, with the most recent audiometric testing showing Level III hearing acuity in both ears. The current rating is appropriate given the severity of his condition.

The Veteran's combined disability rating is 70 percent, which meets the criteria for a TDIU under VA regulations.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling the Veteran for VA examinations to assess his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to service, including noise exposure during military service. The preponderance of evidence is against both claims for service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss did not develop as a result of his in-service noise exposure and is not related to service. As such, service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and denied his claim for service connection. For hearing loss, the evidence did not meet the criteria for a disability as defined by VA regulations.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for service-connected bilateral hearing loss was denied by the Board, as there is no evidence of an exceptional pattern of hearing loss or other unique circumstances that would warrant a higher rating. The current ratings are found to be appropriate based on the audiometric test results provided.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus disabilities are related to his military service, resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board finds that the Veteran's tinnitus is as likely as not incurred in or aggravated by service, while his right ear hearing loss disability is less likely than not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's death was not caused by any service-connected disability, including PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, chronic maxillary sinusitis, or papilloma of tonsillar fossa. The Board found that the cause of death was due to cardiomyopathy and asystole.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to determine the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his ability to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation. The case will also be reviewed to consider whether he qualifies for a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disorders on an extraschedular basis.

The Board found no evidence of a current hearing loss disability incurred or aggravated by service, and concluded that the Veteran's hearing loss was not related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hip and knee disorders are secondary to his service-connected thoracolumbar spine spondylosis. The appeal is granted.