Hearing loss decisions — 2001

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for service-connected bilateral sensorineural hearing loss was denied. The RO assigned a noncompensable evaluation effective from November 16, 1993 and a 10 percent evaluation effective from June 10, 2001.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and status post L4-5 diskectomy for herniated nucleus pulposus, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has determined that the criteria for a total rating based on individual unemployability are met.

The veteran's claim for specially adapted housing or special home adaptation grant is denied because he does not meet the criteria for financial assistance due to his non-qualifying service-connected disabilities.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his bilateral hearing loss, PTSD, and right ankle sprain were denied. The RO found that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 20 percent for the bilateral hearing loss prior to June 10, 1999 or a rating in excess of 40 percent as of June 10, 1999. For PTSD and right ankle sprain, the RO found that the evidence did not support a higher evaluation.

The Board has ordered additional development due to the need for clarification of the etiology and date of onset of the veteran's bilateral hearing loss and right ankle disability. The case is being remanded back to the RO for further action.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left ear hearing loss is service-connected and granted an effective date of November 17, 1998 for his right ear hearing loss and tinnitus. The initial rating assigned was zero percent for right ear hearing loss.

The Board found that the veteran's migraine headaches, bilateral pes planus, and bilateral knee disorders are of service origin. The hearing loss was not shown during service or currently. The low back strain is already rated at its maximum disability level.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left ear hearing loss is related to his military service and granted service connection for it. The issue of assigning a compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss will be addressed by the RO.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling an examination to assess his hearing disabilities. The case will be reviewed again after the additional development.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the appellant's exposure to loud noise during active service likely caused his current hearing disability. Service connection was also granted for a liver disorder (including hepatitis C) due to Agent Orange exposure.

The Board has determined that the appellant's bilateral hearing loss disability does not warrant a compensable evaluation, as his average pure tone threshold is within the noncompensable range.

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

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and residuals of a head injury with jaw and right ear disorders are not supported by evidence showing these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by service. The claim to reopen his previously denied claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder is also denied due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss but denied a higher rating, leaving the veteran with a 0 percent disability rating.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for non-service-connected pension benefits as he did not meet the requirements for basic entitlement due to lack of active service and no disability adjudged service-connected.

The Board denied a higher rating for the veteran's bilateral hearing loss, finding that the criteria for a compensable evaluation have not been met at any time since the effective date of service connection.

The veteran's appeal was denied for increased evaluation of right sacroiliac dysfunction, service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical evidence and provide the veteran with a new VA examination.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection due to new and material evidence showing that his hearing loss was caused by his military service in the engine room of a ship, despite initial normal hearing at separation. The veteran now meets the criteria for service connection based on direct service connection.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability due to lack of evidence linking the condition to service, and the claim was not reopened as new and material evidence had not been submitted.

The veteran's appeal for service connection on multiple issues was denied. The appeals were based on secondary service connection theories, but no specific exposure basis or PACT Act involvement was noted.