Hearing loss decisions — 2002

The Board denied a higher evaluation for the service-connected bilateral hearing loss and denied compensation for dental trauma to teeth numbers 7, 9, 10, and 25.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations for left ear hearing loss and tinnitus were denied. The veteran's shell fragment wound scars are not rated as compensable.

The veteran's tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss are currently rated at the maximum schedular evaluation of 10 percent. No higher rating is warranted as there is no evidence of exceptional or unusual disability.

The veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is granted, as her current hearing loss is found to be due to noise exposure during service.

The veteran is entitled to a compensable evaluation (20%) for bilateral hearing loss from July 2, 1999 through June 13, 2001. The claimant was not granted any additional compensation after that date.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection of tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss, finding that the earliest claim was received in March 1990, which is more than one year after separation from active duty. The decision became final, thus precluding an earlier effective date.

The Board denied an increased rating for left ear hearing loss, finding that the evidence did not support a compensable evaluation.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim of service connection for hearing loss, which was previously denied in 1988. The evidence includes testimony from the veteran about his subjective hearing issues during service and post-service audiologic reports indicating a history of hearing loss.

The Board found no evidence of a current disability for hearing loss and denied service connection for thyroid disorder, maxillary sinusitis, conjunctivitis, bilateral hearing loss, and skin disorder. The veteran's claims were based on direct service connection.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection due to new and material evidence presented, including testimony from a doctor who linked the hearing loss to an explosion in service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss and chronic left otitis media, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 40 percent for bilateral hearing loss or a higher rating for otitis media.

The veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death. The issues of service connection for a back disability and hearing loss have not been decided as the appeal is now moot.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his in-service noise exposure, and service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the veteran's current condition is related to his in-service exposure to noise from aircraft.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hearing loss was not incurred or aggravated in military service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for diabetes mellitus and his TDIU claim have been addressed. The RO has granted service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus, but the hearing disability does not meet the legal definition of a service connectable hearing disability. The RO also increased the veteran's rating for diabetes mellitus to 40 percent effective July 16, 1998. Additional development is needed due to deficiencies in previous requests.

The Board has determined that the veteran's loss of lateral vision and hearing loss are not proximately due to or the result of, or have been chronically worsened by, his service-connected tuberculosis meningitis.

The Board found that the veteran's current hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his military service, as they were first noted several years after discharge. The evidence does not support a link between the veteran's post-service noise exposure and his current conditions.

The Board found that the veteran does not have a current hearing loss disability and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss, as the current evidence does not support a higher than 40 percent rating.