Hearing loss decisions — 2000

The veteran's initial claim for an increased evaluation for bilateral hearing loss was denied as his current hearing acuity does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected hemorrhoids did not warrant an evaluation in excess of 10 percent, and denied his claim for a compensable initial rating for bilateral hearing loss.

The August 6, 1981 rating decision was found to contain clear and unmistakable error in denying service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus. Service connection is granted for these conditions. The veteran's claims of service connection for a skin condition (variously diagnosed as dermatitis and urticaria), left hand and arm injury, and tinea pedis were denied.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person due to his disabilities, as he is able to perform daily activities without requiring assistance.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is well grounded. However, his claim for a compensable rating for tinea cruris and pedis with onychomycosis remains denied as there are no more than slight exfoliation, exudation or itching on nonexposed surfaces or small areas such as the veteran's toes and heels.

The veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss of the right ear and pes planus are not well grounded. The claim for increased ratings for tendinitis of the right ankle and left ankle is also not well grounded.

The Board has granted the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that these conditions are due to acoustic trauma incurred in service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability and bilateral hearing loss are not well-grounded. The claim for a low back disability is denied, while the claim for bilateral hearing loss is granted.

The Board has ordered the case back to the RO for consideration of new evidence submitted by the veteran, which was not previously considered. The veteran's claim is now pending again with the RO.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for secondary service connection for a low back disorder is not well grounded, and his claim for increased rating for bilateral hearing loss is also not well grounded. The claims are therefore denied.

The veteran's claims for PTSD, tinea of the feet and hands, and bilateral hearing loss with tinnitus were denied as they are not well-grounded. The claim for service connection for a bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus is granted.

The veteran's claims for evaluations of his lumbar spine, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss disabilities were denied. Service connection was granted for lumbosacral strain, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss. The veteran's claims for buckling and weakness of the legs and chest pains are pending.

The Board denied service connection for coronary artery disease, generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder as secondary to the coronary artery disease, and bilateral hearing loss due to lack of evidence. The veteran's heart attack during active duty training was not considered service-connected.

The Board has determined that the appellant's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not well grounded. The evidence does not show a disease or injury in service, nor is there sufficient medical evidence to link current disabilities to service.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for tinnitus, PTSD, and hearing loss. The claim for pension was also denied due to lack of a permanent disability preventing gainful employment.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of a shrapnel wound to the left arm. The claims for bilateral hearing loss and gunshot wound to the scalp are denied as not well grounded.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not well-grounded. The evidence does not support a finding of current disabilities or a link between any such conditions and military service.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and an increased rating of 20 percent for left knee disability, including shrapnel wound residuals.

The veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is granted as service-connected. The claim for squamous cell carcinoma, claimed as skin cancer, due to exposure to ionizing radiation during service is denied.

The Board dismissed the veteran's appeals because they were not timely filed within the required time limits.