Hearing loss Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for DJD of the lumbosacral spine and for bilateral hearing loss were denied by the RO. The appeal is dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, residuals of frostbite to hands and feet, and Reynaud's syndrome. The evidence did not show a current disability or in-service incurrence or aggravation.,There was no evidence of a chronic disease shown during service or within one year after separation from service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to inadequate VA examinations and lack of rationale in the opinions provided.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is found to be etiologically related to service, and he is granted service connection for this condition. The issues of increased rating for tinnitus and service connection for strep throat and running ears are dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal.

The Board has remanded the case for further consideration due to an inaccuracy in the factual premise used by a previous VA medical opinion regarding the Veteran's post-service noise exposure.

The Board has determined that there is not sufficient evidence to establish service connection for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss or tinnitus. The Veteran's claims are denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of right ear hearing loss disability, as defined by VA regulations. Therefore, service connection for this condition is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is related to noise exposure during active service and grants his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's right ear hearing loss is aggravated by his service-connected left ear hearing loss. The claims are also remanded to determine if an initial compensable rating should be assigned for the Veteran's left ear hearing loss.

The Veteran's initial rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied as his disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating before June 3, 2010, and he does not have a compensable rating after that date.

The Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss was not incurred or aggravated by service, and the Board finds that it is more likely due to post-service noise exposure. As a result, service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Board has ordered the Veteran to undergo VA examinations for his bilateral hearing loss and left ankle disability. The claims are being remanded due to the Veteran's inability to appear for these examinations.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable initial disability rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss disability is being remanded due to the need for a Travel Board hearing.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the inability to conduct an adequate VA audiological examination at a VA medical facility. The AOJ must attempt to obtain documentation of any notice provided to the Veteran regarding his option to pay for security and his response to that notice, or if no such documentation exists, seek a supplemental opinion from the November 2011 VA examiner.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for left ear hearing loss was denied as his hearing loss did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss was noted at enlistment, and the VA examiner opined that it did not worsen during service. The left ear hearing loss is not shown in service or for many years thereafter. Tinnitus is also not shown in service or for many years thereafter. Prior to February 27, 2012, PTSD was manifested by occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, including difficulty adapting to stressful circumstances and inability to establish effective relationships. From February 27, 2012, the Veteran's PTSD is manifested by total occupational and social impairment. The Veteran had a single service-connected disability (PTSD) prior to February 27, 2012, which precluded him from maintaining gainful employment. As of February 27, 2012, the Veteran has a 100% rating for PTSD, making the issue of TDIU moot.

The Board finds that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss and tinnitus are likely due to noise exposure during his military service, granting these claims.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is found to be related to noise exposure during his military service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is related to acoustic trauma during active military service and the Board affirms that his claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is found to be related to service, while his left ear hearing loss does not meet the criteria for VA compensation purposes. The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss and denied service connection for left ear hearing loss. For the lumbar spine disability, the Board has determined that a rating in excess of 10 percent is not warranted.