Hearing loss decisions — 2014

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA audiological examination to determine the current nature and severity of his bilateral hearing loss. The issue will be reconsidered after this additional development.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss is currently manifested by a puretone average of 59 dB, which corresponds to a zero percent evaluation under the rating criteria. The Board finds that this level of disability does not warrant a compensable evaluation.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his military service, as there was no evidence of a significant change in hearing over the brief period he served.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to determine if the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is related to service, specifically his exposure to gunfire and howitzer without hearing protection during active duty. The claim will be returned to the Board after further development.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, a respiratory disorder (claimed as COPD and asthma), or a lumbar spine disability (residuals of a lumbar laminectomy).

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is evaluated as noncompensable under the rating schedule, and no higher ratings are warranted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for clarification regarding a private audiogram and for a new VA examination of his otosclerosis with hearing loss.

The Veteran's right knee disability has been rated at 10 percent since the initial rating period, reflecting noncompensable limitation of motion due to painful arthritis. The criteria for a higher rating have not been met.

The Veteran's initial evaluations for hearing loss disability and tinnitus have been denied as no higher evaluation is warranted.

The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD, depression, cardiovascular disability, lung disability, and bilateral hearing loss disability has been granted.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of bilateral hearing loss or residuals of an injury to the fourth finger of the right hand, and thus denied both claims.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a 70 percent rating since May 26, 2010. The hearing loss and tinnitus claims have been denied.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has been manifested by auditory acuity levels VII in the left ear and I in the right ear, which do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under VA disability evaluation guidelines. As such, his claim for a compensable evaluation is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's left ear hearing loss and tinnitus. The case will be returned for further development.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have hearing loss for VA purposes and his tinnitus is not related to service. Therefore, he was denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus did not have their onset during service or within one year of discharge, and there is no evidence linking these conditions to in-service noise exposure. As such, the claims for service connection are denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records related to hearing loss. The Veteran will be scheduled for an examination to determine the current nature and severity of his hearing loss.

The Veteran's hearing loss in his right ear was rated as noncompensable prior to April 27, 2012 and thereafter. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and carpal tunnel syndrome of both wrists, diabetes mellitus, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss, do not preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.