Hearing loss decisions — 2013

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss disability is manifested by no more than Level I hearing impairment bilaterally, resulting in a noncompensable evaluation. The claim for an initial compensable rating for this condition has been denied.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied as his disability did not meet the criteria for a compensable or higher rating prior to December 14, 2011. Since then, he has been assigned a 40% rating effective from December 14, 2011.

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

The Veteran's appeal for higher initial ratings for a bilateral hearing loss disability was denied by the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and a low back disability are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and VA treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA examination to determine the current level of severity of his service-connected bilateral hearing loss disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining a VA examination and reviewing outstanding private medical records.

The Veteran does not currently have a diagnosed right ear hearing loss disability as defined by VA regulations, and therefore service connection for this condition is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the inadequacy of a previous VA examination and the need for additional evidence. The issues on appeal are whether he is entitled to service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as the Board finds that his claim for a higher rating for bilateral hearing loss does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current hearing loss disability for VA purposes, and therefore cannot establish service connection.

The Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to April 10, 2008, for the grant of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and hallux limitus and degenerative changes, right foot, are denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including verification of service dates and clarification of the nature and etiology of any hearing loss or heart disorder.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating of service-connected hearing loss disability was dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal in March 2012. The issues of PTSD and TDIU are addressed in the REMAND portion of the decision.

The Veteran has been shown to currently have bilateral hearing loss that is causally or etiologically related to his military service, and the Board finds in favor of granting service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been denied. The claim for TDIU is pending.

The Board finds that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss and tinnitus are likely due to noise exposure during service, and grants service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran does not have a current bilateral hearing loss disability for VA compensation purposes, and therefore the claim must be denied by law.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, including obtaining an adequate opinion regarding their etiology.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to service, granting his claims for these conditions.