Hearing loss decisions — 2002

The veteran's service-connected anxiety reaction, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is rated as noncompensable, and the Board finds no basis to grant a higher rating.

The VA determined that the initial noncompensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss was appropriate based on the March 2000 audiometric results.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his service-connected bilateral hearing loss was denied. The veteran also seeks a permanent and total rating for non-service-connected disability pension purposes, but the case is remanded to obtain additional medical records and determine if he meets the criteria.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating for sinusitis with nasal polyps and hearing loss, finding that his symptoms did not warrant a compensable evaluation.

The veteran's claim for earlier effective date of nonservice-connected pension benefits, including special monthly pension on account of the need for regular aid and attendance, was denied as there is no evidence that his original claim was received prior to August 20, 1998.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for left ear sensorineural hearing loss and an increased rating for bilateral otitis media, finding that his disability most closely approximates a noncompensable rating under Diagnostic Code 6200 (chronic suppurative otitis media).

The Board found that the veteran's right ear hearing loss was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service, and denied his claim for service connection. The left ear hearing loss was evaluated as noncompensable due to lack of a current disability.

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.

The veteran has been diagnosed with a dysthymic and depressive disorder, which is considered service-connected. He also has tinnitus that is related to his military noise exposure. However, he does not have hearing loss or PTSD as claimed.

The Board denied an increased rating for the veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss, finding that the current 20 percent evaluation adequately reflects the severity of his condition.

Service connection is denied for the claimed conditions. Increased ratings are not granted for any of the disabilities listed.

The veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently evaluated at 60 percent, and the appeal for a higher rating is denied.

The Board found no evidence of hearing loss in the right ear during service or after discharge, and denied the veteran's claim for service connection.

The veteran's left ear hearing loss was evaluated as noncompensably disabling in both July 1997 and March 1999, resulting in a noncompensable rating.

The veteran's claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and an examination. The VA will also review all claims, including implied claims for tinnitus and Meniere's Disease.

The Board found no current diagnosis of a skin disorder to include jungle rot, and denied service connection for this condition. The right ear hearing loss disability was also denied as there is insufficient evidence linking it to service.

The case is being returned to the RO due to incomplete service medical records and missing treatment records. The veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, headaches, and a psychiatric disorder will be reconsidered after obtaining these records.

The Board has granted a 10 percent rating for the veteran's bilateral hearing loss and found that an earlier effective date of August 29, 1968 is warranted for his service connection and assignment of a 10 percent disability rating for tinnitus.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss. The claim for TDIU is also addressed in a separate remand.