Hearing loss Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss prior to December 6, 2010 and beginning December 6, 2010 was denied. The initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss prior to December 6, 2010 is not warranted. A rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral hearing loss beginning December 6, 2010 is also not warranted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his period of active service, with the hearing loss being secondary to noise exposure during service. The decision grants service connection for these conditions.

The Board has granted a 20 percent disability rating for the Veteran's service-connected hearing loss since March 11, 2010. Prior to that date, the Veteran was not entitled to any compensation.

The Veteran's initial rating for bilateral hearing loss has been upheld at 20 percent, as his hearing impairment does not warrant a higher evaluation based on the current evidence.

The Board denied the Veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection for residuals of trauma to the left ear, with neurosensory hearing loss and labyrinthitis. The evidence submitted did not show that a chronic disability was incurred in or aggravated by military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is related to noise exposure during his military service, and thus grants service connection for this condition. The hearing loss claim remains pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is not related to his military service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability has been rated at 10 percent since July 7, 2008. The current rating adequately reflects the severity of his condition based on VA audiometry evaluations.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining private treatment records and ensuring all relevant evidence is considered.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been reopened and is granted.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss was incurred in, or caused by, his military service and the Board grants service connection for this condition. The issue of a compensable rating for right ear hearing loss is deferred pending further action.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining employment records and medical records from Dr. Turner, to determine if there is a relationship between the Veteran's current hearing loss and tinnitus disabilities and his military service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, including considering his in-service noise exposure and post-service work history.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not meet or approximate the criteria for a rating greater than 10 percent, as reliable audiometric test results are unavailable.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and pes planus with hallux valgus have been granted service connection, but the Veteran is seeking a higher initial rating for his pes planus.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate development of evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss. The claim will be returned for further action.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss with left otitis externa was denied as the evidence did not support a higher rating than 10 percent prior to May 14, 2010 and 10 percent effective May 14, 2010.

The claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the failure to conduct a VA audiological examination as ordered in November 2010.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a hearing loss disability recognized as a VA compensable condition and therefore denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for hearing loss and granted service connection based on new evidence received since the 1987 denial. The other claims remain denied.