Hearing loss decisions — 2001

The Board has determined that the RO's decision denying service connection for hearing loss, left elbow disability, right knee disability, and left shoulder disability was not well-grounded. The claims are denied.

The Board found that the initial noncompensable evaluation for right ear hearing loss was proper and denied the claim for a higher evaluation.

The veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for service-connected bilateral hearing loss was denied by the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The veteran is seeking earlier effective dates for the grant of service connection for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss. The RO has remanded the case due to issues with the VCAA.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in loss or permanent loss of use of one or both feet, as required for eligibility for financial assistance in the purchase of an automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for a compensable rating for right ear hearing loss and service connection for left ear hearing loss. The claim for service connection for tinnitus was granted, but the veteran is not entitled to compensation as his left ear hearing loss is not service-connected.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, which was previously denied in 1983. The case will now be reviewed on a de novo basis.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his right knee disorder and tinnitus, have not substantially impaired his ability to obtain or retain employment consistent with his abilities, aptitudes, and interests. The VA determined that the veteran has overcome the effects of these impairments through employment in an occupation consistent with his pattern of abilities, aptitudes, and interests.

The veteran's claim for special monthly compensation is being remanded due to the need for additional VA medical records and an examination. The issue of automobile and adaptive equipment or for adaptive equipment only remains pending.

The VA denied increased disability ratings for the veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the evidence did not show marked interference with employment or frequent periods of hospitalization due to these conditions.

The veteran's service-connected right shoulder and left knee conditions have been rated at the maximum available rating of 10 percent. The hearing loss is currently rated as zero percent.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development due to the implementation of the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000.

The veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated at noncompensable, and his PTSD is now rated at 30 percent. The current evaluations are considered appropriate.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under the applicable VA rating schedule.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the evidence did not warrant a higher rating under the applicable VA rating criteria.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred in or aggravated by active service, nor can a sensorineural hearing loss be presumed to have been so incurred.

The veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and a chronic headache disorder was denied. The Board found that the veteran does not have hearing loss disability under VA standards, and thus cannot establish service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is related to his noise trauma during military service and has granted entitlement to service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted a 10 percent evaluation for multiple, noncompensable service-connected disabilities, including hearing loss and residuals of cellulitis of the left ankle.

The veteran's appeal is about his service-connected disabilities and whether he should receive higher levels of special monthly compensation based on the severity of his conditions. The RO has ordered additional VA examinations to assess the current level of impairment resulting from his service-connected disabilities.