Hearing loss decisions — 2003

The Board found that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss was not incurred in or aggravated by his active duty service and denied the claim.

The Board has granted a compensable rating for tinnitus of the left ear prior to June 10, 1999. The other issues remain unresolved.

The Board has ordered further development due to the need for additional evidence. The case is now being remanded to the RO for obtaining medical records and completing clinical records.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and bilateral glaucoma, finding that his conditions did not warrant a compensable rating.

The VA denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for the veteran's right ear hearing loss, as his hearing acuity is level XI and he does not have total hearing loss in the left ear. The maximum schedular rating provided for unilateral hearing loss under Code 6100 is 10 percent.

The veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is currently evaluated at 20 percent, which has not changed since the July 1999 rating decision. The most recent audiometric evaluations show average pure tone thresholds of 51-55 decibels in both ears.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities, finding that his combined disability rating is 80%, which does not meet the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, a low back disability, and heart disease.

The Board has ordered further development due to pending issues and new evidence. The case is now remanded for additional examinations and consideration.

The veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the claims of service connection for various conditions and a claim for an increased evaluation for the service-connected appendectomy scar.

The veteran seeks an increased evaluation for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss. The RO has ordered a VA audiometric examination to determine the current severity of the condition and will also ensure that all notification and development action required by the VCAA is completed.

The Board has ordered further development due to the need for additional evidence and clarification. The case is now being remanded to the RO for a VA examination and consideration of the veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for residuals of a jaw injury and residuals of a left shoulder injury have been denied as there is no evidence showing current disabilities or in-service injuries related to these conditions.

The Board found that the veteran's bilateral pes planus, claimed as fallen arches, was not incurred in or aggravated by service and denied the claim. The Board also found that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss did not have its onset during service and could not be presumed to have been incurred due to exposure to noise. Service connection for these conditions was therefore denied.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss. The remaining claims of service connection for allergic rhinitis and lumbosacral strain must be remanded due to the need for additional medical evidence.

The Board has ordered further development due to the need for additional evidence. The case is now being sent back to the RO for specific actions, including obtaining service medical records and arranging for a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current left shoulder and low back disabilities were not incurred or aggravated during service, and bilateral hearing loss is not related to service. The claim for service connection for a left shoulder disability is denied.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for service connection for arthritis, a low back disorder, and bilateral hearing loss. However, it found that new evidence does not establish these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an initial compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss, service connection for bronchitis, and service connection for loss of creative ability. The RO had previously granted service connection for PTSD with a 10 percent evaluation effective March 23, 1998.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that these conditions are related to the veteran's military service. The claims for anterior metatarsalgia, right knee disability, and left knee disability remain pending.