Hearing loss decisions — 2000

The VA determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not warrant a compensable disability rating, as his test results consistently reflect level I and II hearing in both ears.

The Board denied higher evaluations for the veteran's service-connected herniated nucleus pulposus of L5-S1 with posterior lumbar interbody fusion, osteotomy of the third metatarsal head of the right foot with painful callous, and bilateral hearing loss disability. The claim for excision residuals of plantar wart on the left foot was denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is related to his active duty service, including exposure to noise during airborne and heavy-weapons training. As a result, the claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is granted.

The Board has granted an effective date of June 9, 1987 for the grant of service connection for right ear hearing loss. The issue of whether there was a pending claim for service connection prior to this date remains.

The veteran's service-connected conditions do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on loss of use of the right foot or need for aid and attendance/housebound status.

The Board has determined that there is no current hearing loss in the right ear and therefore, service connection for this condition cannot be granted.

The veteran's claim for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss was granted, with a 30 percent evaluation effective March 11, 1996 and a 50 percent evaluation effective June 10, 1999.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss as it was not well-grounded.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for otitis externa and bilateral hearing loss, finding that the schedular criteria were not met. The veteran was also denied a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied an increased rating for the service-connected bilateral hearing loss, finding that the evidence did not warrant a higher evaluation under either the old or new rating criteria.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, a back disorder, and varicose veins as they are not well grounded.

The Board found the claims of service connection for right ear hearing loss and tinnitus not well grounded due to lack of credible evidence linking current conditions to service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right ear hearing loss does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation under either the old or new VA rating criteria.

The Board denied an evaluation in excess of 90 percent for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating.

The VA determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under the applicable schedular guidelines. The RO concluded that his condition did not present an exceptional or unusual picture with related factors such as marked interference with employment or frequent periods of hospitalization.

The Board has granted an effective date of March 12, 1975 for the grant of service connection for left ear hearing loss. The veteran's claim was reopened based on new and material evidence submitted in 1998.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and a left tympanic membrane perforation are not well-grounded, as there is no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and for a higher rating for his atopic dermatitis. The veteran was granted a noncompensable disability rating for atopic dermatitis prior to September 19, 1997, and a compensable (10%) rating thereafter.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for a left knee disorder and bilateral hearing loss are not well grounded. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated during active duty, nor is there competent evidence linking them to service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss disability, and tinnitus are well grounded. The evidence supports a finding of current disabilities and links these conditions to the period of active military service.