Hearing loss decisions — 2003

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service medical records and a need for further efforts to obtain additional hearing loss related records.

The veteran's bilateral hearing loss was found to be incurred in service due to noise exposure and head trauma during active duty.

The veteran's claims for a compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss and an effective date prior to January 31, 2001 for the grant of service connection for tinnitus were denied. The Board found that additional development was needed due to the VCAA.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of any knee disorder or right ear hearing loss, and thus service connection for these conditions cannot be granted.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and conducting VA ear disease examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for peptic ulcer disease on a secondary basis to the veteran's service-connected osteoarthritis of the left knee. The issue of entitlement to TDIU is remanded.

The veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated at 30 percent, which is the maximum rating available under VA guidelines. The claim for an increase to a higher rating was denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between his active service and these conditions.

The Board has ordered further development due to the need for additional evidence. The case is now being sent back to the RO for an ear/audiology examination and a determination of whether the veteran's hearing loss is related to military service.

The Board has ordered further development due to pending issues regarding the veteran's left ear hearing loss. The case is being sent back for additional examination and consideration.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for additional medical examination and records, particularly regarding right ear hearing loss and tinnitus. The issues of reopening the claim for service connection for right ear hearing loss and establishing service connection for tinnitus are now pending.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his increased rating claim, including obtaining employment records and any other relevant evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service medical records and providing proper notification under the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000. The veteran's claims will be evaluated under both old and new rating criteria for skin disabilities and hearing impairment.

The Board has ordered further development due to the need for additional evidence. The case is now remanded for a VA audiological examination and review of records.

The Board has ordered further development in your case due to pending issues and evidence. Your case was sent to the Board's Evidence Development Unit (EDU) for additional development.

The Board has ordered further development due to the need for additional evidence. The case is now being sent back to the RO for examination and consideration of new evidence.

The case is being remanded for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and scheduling a VA audiology examination.

The Board has ordered further development due to pending issues regarding service connection for various conditions. The case is now remanded for additional examination and consideration.

The veteran's appeal is about the evaluation of his service-connected bilateral hearing loss, which was previously rated at 20 percent and now seeks a higher rating to 40 percent. The RO has already granted this increase effective March 13, 2000. However, since the appellant did not receive the maximum benefit available (40 percent), the appeal remains pending.