Hearing loss decisions — 2001

The Board denied both the veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that he was already receiving the maximum disability ratings available under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board found that the veteran's left ear hearing loss and otitis media did not warrant an increased rating under either the old or new regulatory criteria. The evidence showed no more than normal hearing in his right ear, which precluded a higher evaluation.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board) has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss was not incurred in or aggravated by service. The evidence does not support a link between the current hearing problems and military service.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected Hepatitis C, prostatitis, and hearing loss disability were denied as the evidence did not resolve whether there was liver damage with gastrointestinal disturbance, urinary tract infections or voiding dysfunction, or auditory acuity levels.

The Board denied service connection for hearing loss and TDIU in May 1991. The veteran's claim was reopened due to new evidence, but the Board found that hearing loss did not occur during service or until several years post-service. Service connection for glaucoma of the right eye is granted with a 30% evaluation.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for left ear hearing loss due to the veteran's failure to report for scheduled VA medical examinations.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and PTSD, finding no new and material evidence to reopen the claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The decision also found that PTSD was not incurred in active service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and back injury are service-connected. However, there is no evidence of a heart disorder (claimed as a heart murmur) being related to service.

The Board has denied the veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that no new and material evidence was submitted.

The Board's decision to deny PTSD and alleged hearing loss service connection is dismissed due to the withdrawal of a motion for CUE.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is related to noise exposure during service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as his claim of clear and unmistakable error (CUE) in a rating decision from July 2, 1947. The CUE claim is pending.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear hearing loss. However, the veteran's appeal of his tinnitus claim was not timely filed.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for his bilateral hearing loss, frostbite of the feet, and Raynaud's phenomenon were denied. His claim for an effective date earlier than January 12, 1998, for the frostbite residuals was also denied. The TDIU claim is pending.

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to the assignment of a total compensation rating based on individual unemployability.

The veteran's hearing loss disability is currently rated at 10 percent, the maximum rating available for Level IV hearing acuity in both ears. The appeal for a higher rating is denied.

The veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a VA examination.

The veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss and gastrointestinal issues, were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of exposure to herbicides or other environmental factors in Vietnam.

The veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is rated as noncompensable, and the Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Board granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss with a 10% disability evaluation effective September 19, 1973. The veteran's claim was reopened on new evidence and the effective date was advanced to this date.