Hearing loss decisions — 2001

The Board has determined that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is related to his military service and granted service connection for this condition. The issue of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease remains unclear as there are no specific findings or evidence provided regarding its etiology.

The Board determined that the veteran did not file an adequate substantive appeal regarding his claim to reopen a service connection for hearing loss, and thus dismissed the case.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for increased ratings for otitis media with perforated tympanic membrane of the left ear and hearing loss of the left ear is denied as his current disability levels do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including right shoulder, left shoulder, left hip, right knee, and left knee conditions, as well as bilateral hearing loss. The appeals were based on the merits of the cases.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss in a final June 1990 decision. The RO assigned an effective date of April 25, 1991 for the grant of service connection based on a reopened claim filed by the appellant.

The Board found that the veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for bilateral hearing loss prior to October 2, 2000 was denied. The restoration of a compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss since October 2, 2000 was also denied. The combined evaluation of 60 percent from October 29, 1997 to October 2, 2000 was found to be correct and without legal merit.

The veteran's application for an annual clothing allowance was denied because the evidence did not demonstrate that his service-connected disabilities caused him to wear or use a prosthetic or orthopedic appliance which tended to wear out his clothing, or that he used medication due to a service-connected skin disorder resulting in irreparable damage to his outer garments.

The VA determined that the veteran does not have a hearing loss disability for VA purposes, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left ear hearing loss does not warrant a compensable evaluation, as it is currently rated at 0 percent.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for spinal spondylosis, increased evaluations for his right hip and left knee shell fragment wound residuals including traumatic arthritis, and a compensable evaluation for his bilateral hearing loss disability.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for a speech defect and hearing loss, finding no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The veteran's right ear hearing loss was first manifested during service and is considered incurred therein. The claims for left ear hearing loss, tinnitus, and residual trauma to the glans penis are addressed in this decision.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including medical examinations and compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000.

The Board denied an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss and granted a 30 percent evaluation for the veteran's plantar callus of the left foot.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss is related to his military service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that he does not currently have impaired hearing as defined by VA regulations.

The case is being remanded for further development due to the VCAA and related regulations.

The Board has remanded the case due to new legislation, requiring additional development and consideration of the veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has granted a 10 percent rating for the veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss, effective May 13, 1999. The appeal is resolved in favor of the VA.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not warrant an evaluation in excess of 30 percent, as his most recent audiometric evaluations do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.