Hearing loss decisions — 2003

The veteran's appeal for an increased rating for his bilateral hearing loss was denied. The issue of earlier effective date for additional compensation benefits for a spouse was also denied as the veteran did not submit evidence of his divorce and remarriage within one year of the events.

The veteran's death was caused by a service-connected disability. The respiratory disease is considered to be aggravated by the service-connected psychiatric disability, and the anxiety neurosis meets the criteria for a 100% rating. There is no evidence of entitlement to an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss at the time of his death.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated treatment records and conducting VA examinations to determine the severity of the veteran's right knee disorder and otitis media with hearing loss.

The VA granted a 10% rating for service-connected bilateral hearing loss effective July 31, 2003. The veteran's claim was received on July 31, 2003.

The Board has ordered further development in the veteran's case regarding his claims for service connection for hearing loss and a lung disorder. The case was sent to the Board's Evidence Development Unit (EDU) for additional development, including requesting medical records from various sources.

The case is being returned to the RO for additional development due to recent court rulings and to schedule VA examinations.

The Board found that the veteran's diagnosed bilateral sensorineural hearing loss is linked to his exposure to a noisy combat environment in service, and granted his claim for service connection.

The veteran's bilateral hearing loss is found to be of service origin and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has ordered further development due to the need for additional evidence and clarification. The case is now being remanded back to the RO for specific actions.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for right ear hearing loss, finding that it was not well grounded.

The veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss was denied by the RO.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including knee disorders and a psychiatric disorder. The decision also denied an increased rating for hearing loss in the left ear.

The RO denied an initial noncompensable rating for hearing loss of the right ear following its grant of service connection.

The Board found no evidence of malaria during service or post-service, and the veteran's current hearing loss and tinnitus are not linked to his military service. The claim for service connection is denied.

The VA denied an initial compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a left shoulder disability due to lack of evidence showing current disabilities or a link between service and these conditions.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date prior to August 27, 2001 for the grant of service connection for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the evidence did not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The veteran's claim of entitlement to an initial (compensable) evaluation on bilateral hearing loss was granted by the RO, but it is unclear if this decision affects a previously denied service connection claim or is a new determination.

The Board found that the evidence did not show an actual improvement in the veteran's bilateral hearing loss to warrant a reduction from a 10% disability evaluation to noncompensable.