Hearing loss decisions — 2003

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for his service-connected tinnitus and right ear hearing loss, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating under the applicable VA rating criteria.

The Board has dismissed the appeal because the veteran died during the pendency of the appeal and thus no longer has standing to pursue this claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service medical records and requests for a VA examination. The veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss will be reconsidered after these steps are completed.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss but assigned a noncompensable rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a higher initial disability evaluation for bilateral hearing loss, finding that his current level of hearing impairment does not warrant a compensable rating under VA regulations.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and remanded the issue of tinnitus.

The Board found that there is no current diagnosis of a condition characterized by headaches, shakes and dizziness. The veteran's service-connected tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss are not related to these symptoms.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus due to lack of credible supporting evidence of in-service stressors. The claim for a forehead scar as residual of shell fragment wound was also denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for a compensable evaluation for hearing loss of the left ear due to inconsistent responses during audiometric testing, making it impossible to determine his current level of hearing impairment.

The Board found that the veteran's hearing loss was not incurred or aggravated during wartime service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The case will now be evaluated in light of all the evidence, including VA medical records and the veteran's statements regarding noise exposure during service.

The Board found that the veteran's pre-existing left ear hearing loss was aggravated during service due to noise exposure, and granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and assigned a 40 percent rating for right eye chorioretinitis with postoperative residuals, light perception only. The veteran's claim for an increased rating was denied.

The veteran's claim for service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder was granted. The issue of service connection for bilateral hearing loss is considered 'unknown' and the issue of an increased rating for residuals of a partial amputation of the right thumb is also considered 'unknown'.

The Board found that the veteran's pre-existing hearing loss in his left ear was aggravated by acoustic trauma during service, and granted service connection for this condition. The decision also noted that there is no evidence of a current hearing disability in the right ear as defined by VA regulations.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and has determined that the effective date for the permanent and total disability rating for pension purposes is July 12, 2003.

The Board has ordered further development due to the need for additional medical records and an audiological examination. The case is now remanded back to the RO for these actions.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and adjudication of issues related to PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss and denied the remaining issues on appeal. The veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for other disabilities are remanded for further development.

The Board found no evidence of current hearing loss disability in the left ear, and thus denied the veteran's claim for service connection.