Hearing loss decisions — 2003

The Board denied the veteran's claim for Service Disabled Veterans' Insurance (RH) under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1922(a) due to his nonservice-connected cervical disc disease and coronary artery disease, which exceeded the required 'good health' criteria.

The Board has determined that the veteran's currently manifested bilateral hearing loss and sleep apnea are related to his active service, and thus grants service connection for these conditions.

The Board granted a 70 percent evaluation for post-traumatic stress disorder, effective from the date of receipt of the claim in May 1996. The veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability is rated under the criteria that were in effect prior to November 7, 1996.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for hearing loss as there is no current disability shown by the evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the veteran's hearing loss is causally related to his military service. The issue of an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for a right ankle sprain with hairline fracture remains pending and will be remanded.

The veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for service connection for PTSD, and a higher rating for perforation of the left ear tympanic membrane with hearing loss were granted. Service connection for residuals of a head injury manifested by headaches was denied.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from engaging in substantially gainful employment.

The Board has ordered further development due to pending issues and is remanding the case back to the RO for additional consideration.

The veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this claim.

The Board has granted service connection for hearing loss but denied service connection for tinnitus.

The Board has decided that the case needs additional examination and remands it back to the RO for further action.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left ear hearing loss disability pre-existed service and was aggravated by noise exposure during active duty, warranting service connection.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the veteran's conditions began many years after his active service and were not caused by any incident of service. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD was also denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for a higher rating for his lumbar spine disability and service connection for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has granted a 30 percent evaluation for bilateral hearing loss, denied an increased rating for vertigo, and continued the noncompensable disability rating for otitis media and maxillary (left).

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to service, and thus denied his claims for service connection.

The Board has determined that the appellant's coronary artery disease, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus are not related to his periods of active duty for training (ACDUTRA) or inactive duty training (INACDUTRA).

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development and notification in accordance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA).

The Board has found that the veteran's service connection claim for hearing loss is granted, as there is competent medical evidence linking his current bilateral hearing loss disability to noise trauma in active service.