Hearing loss decisions — 2002

The veteran argues that his left ear hearing loss was factually established at separation from service and by a VA examination in December 1957. He seeks an earlier effective date for the award of service connection.

The Board has granted increased ratings for the service-connected PTSD and bilateral hearing loss, but denied service connection for a prostate disability and denied an increased rating for perforated tympanic membranes. The issue of whether new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim for entitlement to service connection for a right shoulder disability is pending.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss and otitis media do not warrant a compensable evaluation at any point during the pendency of his claim.

The VA has denied a compensable evaluation for the veteran's bilateral hearing loss as the evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA regulations.

The Board found that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is not related to active service and denied his claim for service connection.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for bilateral hearing loss prior to June 1, 2001 was denied as the evidence did not show that his disability had worsened prior to that date.

The RO granted service connection and noncompensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, and granted service connection and 10 percent rating for tinnitus. The veteran appeals for higher ratings.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss warrants a 10 percent disability rating, which is higher than the current noncompensable rating. The veteran presented with moderate to profound sensorineural hearing loss in both ears and was diagnosed with tinnitus.

The Board denied the propriety of the initial rating for patello-femoral syndrome of the left knee and denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The veteran's left knee disability is currently rated at 10 percent, but a higher evaluation may be available.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is causally related to his prolonged exposure to excessive noise while on active duty, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of decompression sickness, including vertigo and hearing loss due to a lack of current evidence supporting such claims.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and a compensable evaluation for his bilateral hearing loss, both of which were initially granted in March 2001.

The veteran's appeal for service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been dismissed due to his death during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is related to noise exposure during active service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for higher evaluations for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the evidence does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss or an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus.

The VA denied an increased evaluation for the veteran's service-connected right ear hearing loss, finding that his current level of impairment did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has determined that the veteran's left ear hearing loss is at least as likely as not related to his active service, and thus grants the claim for service connection.

The VA determined that the veteran's hearing loss disability, as evidenced by his audiometric test results, does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under the applicable diagnostic code.

The VA determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred or aggravated during service, nor are they related to his military noise exposure. The Board found insufficient evidence to support a finding of current disability due to service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have residuals of a right hand laceration or hearing loss and back injury, as claimed. The claim for service connection for these conditions is denied.