,whichever results in the higher numeral. When the puretone threshold is 30 decibels or less at 1000 Hz Important: and 70 decibels or more at 2000 Hz, the Roman numeral obtained by using the appropriate table will be elevated to the next higher Roman numeral. For more information on evaluating hearing loss based on Reference: exceptional patterns of hearing impairment, see . When an examiner certifies that speech discrimination scores are not o. Evaluating Hearing Loss appropriate or cannot be obtained, typically indicated with a test “cannot When Speech (CNT)” designation on examination, in accordance with use Table VIA in . Discrimination Scores Are Not An examiner indicates that speech discrimination scores are not Example: Appropriate or appropriate due to inconsistent results. Cannot Be Obtained p. Considering disease is characterized by episodic attacks with subsequent Meniere’s Hearing subsiding of symptoms following the attack. A Veteran may be totally deaf Impairment during the attack with return to normal hearing when the attack ends. Due to Therefore, in evaluating hearing impairment under , the puretone thresholds Meniere’s or speech discrimination percentages are not required to meet the provisions Disease of as hearing impairment associated with disease is often transient. Meniere’s In some cases, hearing loss may not recede following an attack of Important: disease and instead results in a permanent loss of hearing that Meniere’s meets the definition of hearing impairment under . In such circumstances, award benefits under the DC that results in the highest percentage for the Veteran. q. Determining Use the table below to determine whether reexamination is necessary. the Need for Reexamination A single examination is often sufficient to meet the qualifying Note: conditions of permanence under . If … Then … the extent of hearing loss in an do not routinely schedule individual claim has been reexamination. satisfactorily established by an examination
,whichever results in the higher numeral. Important: When the puretone threshold is 30 decibels or less at 1000 Hz and 70 decibels or more at 2000 Hz, the Roman numeral obtained by using the appropriate table will be elevated to the next higher Roman numeral. Reference: For more information on evaluating hearing loss based on exceptional patterns of hearing impairment, see . o. Evaluating Hearing Loss When Speech Discrimination Scores Are Not Appropriate or Cannot Be Obtained When an examiner certifies that speech discrimination scores are not appropriate or cannot be obtained, typically indicated with a “cannot test (CNT)” designation on examination, in accordance with use Table VIA in . Example: An examiner indicates that speech discrimination scores are not appropriate due to inconsistent results. p. Considering Hearing Impairment Due to Meniere’s Disease Meniere’s disease is characterized by episodic attacks with subsequent subsiding of symptoms following the attack. A Veteran may be totally deaf during the attack with return to normal hearing when the attack ends. Therefore, in evaluating hearing impairment under , the puretone thresholds or speech discrimination percentages are not required to meet the provisions of as hearing impairment associated with Meniere’s disease is often transient. Important: In some cases, hearing loss may not recede following an attack of Meniere’s disease and instead results in a permanent loss of hearing that meets the definition of hearing impairment under . In such circumstances, award benefits under the DC that results in the highest percentage for the Veteran. q. Determining the Need for Reexamination Use the table below to determine whether reexamination is necessary. Note: A single examination is often sufficient to meet the qualifying conditions of permanence under . If … Then … the extent of hearing loss in an individual claim has been satisfactorily established by an examination do not routinely schedule reexamination.