Hearing loss decisions — 2001

The veteran's claims for right ear hearing loss, refractive error, muscle cramps of the feet and chest pains, difficulty falling asleep, history of prostate cancer, duodenal ulcer, and dizziness/vertigo (claimed as vestibular neuritis) were all denied. The service connection was granted only for left ear hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the veteran's tinnitus had its inception during active service and granted service connection for this condition. The issues of bilateral hearing loss, left ankle injury, and right elbow disability are still pending.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for low back pain, hearing loss, hypertension with renal impairment, and cardiac disease. The claim for a compensable disability rating for acneiform lesions, folliculitis, and pseudofolliculitis barbae was also denied.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for his hearing loss and tinnitus were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for PTSD, tinnitus, and hearing loss. The total disability rating claim was also denied due to the lack of evidence showing the veteran is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss, with chronic otitis media and cholesteatoma of the right ear. The RO should consider both old and new applicable schedular criteria, obtain all pertinent medical records, schedule a VA examination, and ensure compliance with Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that his pre-existing hearing loss disability did not worsen during active duty.

The Board has granted service connection for hearing loss of the right ear and reopened a claim to reopen for eye disorders, including retinal detachment. The veteran's current hearing loss is found to have its onset during his period(s) of active duty.

The Board determined that the veteran's pre-existing bilateral hearing loss did not worsen during service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for a compensable evaluation for residuals of a right wrist fracture and bilateral hearing loss disability, but granted service connection for residuals of a right shoulder injury.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current disability for which service connection can be granted, except for right ischial tuberosity bursitis. The other conditions were either not shown in service or are not related to service.

The veteran's hearing loss disability is determined to be a result of service, and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has reviewed the veteran's claims and found that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen several service connection claims. The original denial of these claims remains final.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a chronic gastrointestinal disorder, left foot injury, and bilateral hearing loss with nerve damage due to lack of competent medical evidence linking these conditions to his active military service.

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

The Board denied a compensable disability rating for the appellant's service-connected bilateral hearing loss based on the current audiometric test results.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, periodontal disease, disability manifested by facial tic, constant ramming of the tongue and jaw movements, psychiatric disability, open angle glaucoma, bilateral arm weakness, and polyneuropathy of the feet as secondary to his service-connected sarcoidosis. The Board also denied entitlement to an increased evaluation for generalized sarcoidosis.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for service connection for a back disorder, hypertension, and hearing loss due to new and material evidence. The case is now remanded to obtain medical opinions regarding the onset of these conditions during active service.

The veteran is found to be precluded from performing all forms of substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities, and the appeal for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service connected disabilities is granted.