Hearing loss decisions — 2003

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional development, including an audiological and ear disease examination.

The veteran experiences bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus that likely began during his active military service, and the Board finds it is related to his period of service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding that his hearing loss did not warrant a compensable rating. The appeals for service connection of low back disability and sinusitis were dismissed as untimely filed, and the appeal for higher evaluation for neck disability was also dismissed.

The veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and special monthly pension. The case is dismissed without prejudice.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the veteran's exposure to acoustic trauma during service is at least as likely related to his current condition. The issue of service connection for arthritis remains pending and will be addressed in a separate remand.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, but denied these claims on their merits.

The Board previously denied a compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss. The U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims has vacated the decision and remanded the case to the Board for readjudication. The veteran's claim is being returned to the RO for additional development, including compliance with VCAA requirements, consideration of new evidence, and a current VA audiology examination.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development and compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000.

The Board denied a claim for an increased disability rating for service-connected bilateral hearing loss, currently evaluated at 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss does not warrant a compensable initial disability evaluation.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of service connection for left ear hearing loss. The case is remanded to determine if an increased rating for ulcerative colitis is warranted.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for hearing loss and a neurological disability (claimed as multiple sclerosis) due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and hearing loss, finding that there was insufficient evidence to support the diagnoses or establish the required stressors. The veteran did not engage in combat with the enemy during his active service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability. The veteran's currently diagnosed bilateral hearing loss disability is found to be related to noise exposure during service. Service connection for tinnitus is also granted as it is found to be related to noise exposure during service.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for further development and readjudication of the claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that there was no evidence linking his current hearing problems to military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of entitlement to a compensable initial rating for impotency due to diabetes mellitus, service connection for bilateral hearing loss, and service connection for tinnitus. The evidence did not establish current disabilities or show in-service incurrence or aggravation.

The veteran is seeking a higher evaluation for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss. The Board has decided to remand the case due to failure in providing proper notice and development under the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that there was no evidence linking current hearing problems to military service.

The Board has ordered further development due to pending issues regarding the veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The case is now remanded for additional examination and consideration.