Hearing loss decisions — 2003

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and an increased rating for tinnitus. The veteran was already granted service connection for tinnitus, but the Board found that there is no evidence of current hearing loss or tinnitus meeting VA criteria.

The veteran's claim for vocational rehabilitation training under Chapter 31 was denied because he is qualified for suitable employment but does not obtain or retain such employment for reasons within his control.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss and skin disorder were not incurred or aggravated by his military service, including exposure to herbicides. The claims for increased disability rating for diabetes mellitus are addressed separately.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for bilateral hearing loss and otitis media. The decision is final as to the issues of increased rating for bilateral hearing loss prior to November 21, 2002, and from November 21, 2002, forward. The claim for an increased disability rating for otitis media with bilateral mastoiditis remains on appeal.

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 the requested development.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss was incurred during his military service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Board found that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is linked to his military service exposure, and granted service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for valvular heart disease and endocarditis, as well as tinnitus. The claim for bilateral hearing loss was also denied due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has ordered further development due to the need for additional evidence and clarification of existing evidence. The case is now being returned to the RO for this purpose.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and found that the veteran's current hearing loss is related to noise exposure during his military service. The other claims are pending further development.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear hearing loss disability, finding that the veteran's current hearing loss is attributable to his service. The issue of an initial compensable evaluation for right ear hearing loss disability remains pending.

The veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records from VA and private sources.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing and following some type of gainful employment.

The veteran's PTSD resulted in severe social and industrial impairment, warranting a 100% evaluation from April 16, 2001. The RO granted service connection for PTSD and assigned an initial rating of 70 percent effective October 31, 1996.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss, finding that the veteran's current conditions are related to his military service. The issue of a total rating based on unemployability due to service-connected disability is deferred.

The Board denied an increased evaluation for the service-connected bilateral hearing loss, finding that the evidence did not warrant a schedular compensable evaluation.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for a compensable rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss and an effective date prior to August 19, 1993, for the grant of service connection for tinnitus. The case is being remanded for further development.

The Board is reopening the claims for service connection for residuals of a head injury, including a visual disability, and for a disability of the left ulnar nerve, including post-traumatic numbness of the 4th and 5th digits. Additional development is needed to properly adjudicate these issues.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability originated during his active military service and granted service connection for this condition.

The case is being remanded for further development, including obtaining medical opinions on the etiology of the veteran's claimed conditions and their relationship to service.