Hearing loss decisions — 2001

The veteran's bilateral hearing loss is manifested by auditory acuity level I in each ear, and the criteria for a compensable evaluation have not been met.

The Board denied increased ratings for the veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss and varicose veins of the left leg, finding that the current ratings were appropriate based on the evidence provided.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss is related to his service, and thus grants service connection for this condition. The issue of entitlement to service connection for skin cancer due to exposure to ionizing radiation remains pending.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for a higher rating for tinnitus and left ear hearing loss, finding that the evidence did not warrant an increased evaluation under applicable rating criteria.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his left ear hearing loss, finding that the current noncompensable rating adequately reflects his condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, finding no evidence of a current disability related to abnormal blood tests or other conditions. The RO had already granted service connection for residuals of a fracture left elbow (chip fracture of the proximal portion of the olecranon process) and assigned a noncompensable evaluation.

The veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including verification of his military service and obtaining medical records.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, resulting in a denial of the application.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his exposure to loud noises during service, and thus grants service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran's pre-existing bilateral hearing loss did not worsen during service, and thus granted service connection for his bilateral hearing loss.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for increased ratings for right knee disability and bilateral hearing loss, as well as service connection for PTSD. The claim for a permanent and total disability rating for non-service connected pension purposes was referred to the RO for additional development.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for a compensable rating for hearing loss of the right ear and an increased rating for tinnitus. The issue regarding whether the RO in November 1985 was clearly and unmistakably erroneous by denying a separate, compensable evaluation for tinnitus was also denied. The effective date claim for the grant of a 10 percent rating for tinnitus earlier than February 8, 1994, was not addressed as it is unclear if this issue was properly developed.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a hearing loss disability and for special monthly pension on account of the need for aid and attendance of another person or being permanently housebound. The evidence submitted since the March 1970 decision does not meet the criteria to reopen the claim for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected hearing loss and left deltoid area scar, finding that the evidence did not warrant a higher rating based on current clinical manifestations.

The veteran's tinnitus is rated at 10 percent since June 10, 2000. His bilateral hearing loss is rated at 30 percent as of November 24, 1999.

The Board found that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss did not begin in service and was not caused by any incident in service, thus denying his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased disability evaluations for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss and otitis media with a history of right mastoidectomy, finding that the evidence did not support ratings higher than the current 10 percent evaluations.

The Board denied increased evaluations for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the veteran's current hearing acuity does not warrant a compensable evaluation.

The veteran's hearing was normal at separation from service and no evidence of hearing loss has been found related to in-service noise exposure. The Board denied the claim as there is insufficient evidence linking current hearing loss to service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral high frequency hearing loss is due to noise exposure in service and grants service connection for this condition. The conductive component of his hearing loss between 250 and 3000 Hertz is not related to service.