Hearing loss decisions — 2013

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable under the VA rating schedule, and there are no exceptional circumstances that would warrant an extraschedular evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and a bilateral knee disorder were denied. The claim for service connection for eczema was granted with the assignment of presumptive service connection based on herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and chronic tinnitus are being remanded due to the need for additional development of the evidence, including a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his military service, and thus denied both claims.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus was granted, with the Board finding that his current tinnitus is likely due to noise exposure during military service. The Veteran's claim for an increase in his bilateral hearing loss disability remains pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left ear hearing loss and tinnitus are related to service, resulting in a grant of service connection for these conditions.

The Board has found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is related to his active service, and thus grants service connection for this condition. The claim for hypertension was not addressed in detail.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has been rated at 10 percent since July 30, 2009. The most recent VA examination in August 2010 showed Level XI hearing in the right ear and Level I hearing in the left ear, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for bilateral hearing loss was granted, and he is currently assigned a 10 percent disability rating effective from May 28, 2010.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is rated as level II in both ears, resulting in a noncompensable rating. The claim for service connection for a skin disorder due to Agent Orange exposure was denied.

The Veteran claims service connection for left-sided facial weakness, which she believes is related to her allergic rhinitis and hearing loss. The Board has ordered a VA ENT examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's left-sided facial weakness.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, thus granting his TDIU claim.

The Veteran's current left ear hearing loss disability was not incurred or aggravated during his active military service, and may not be presumed to have been so incurred.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for fatigue, joint pain with muscle aches (other than disability of the bilateral ankles), and sleep apnea due to undiagnosed illness. The evidence received since the September 1997 rating decision raises a reasonable probability of substantiating these claims.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are remanded due to the need for a VA examination to assess the current nature and etiology of these conditions, given their potential service connection based on exposure during active duty.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the previously denied claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran currently has a diagnosed bilateral hearing loss disability, which meets the criteria for service connection under VA regulations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is related to his military service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The appeal is REMANDED.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss does not warrant a compensable initial evaluation, as his hearing impairment is currently rated at zero percent.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of a left leg laceration and bilateral hearing loss.