Hearing loss decisions — 2003

The VA determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board finds that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and foot disability are related to his active service, granting service connection for both conditions.

The Board denied a compensable rating for service-connected bilateral hearing loss, finding that the claimant's hearing acuity did not warrant such a rating based on the VA audiology examination results.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss.

The veteran's appeal on the issue of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been dismissed due to his withdrawal prior to a decision being made.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for increased rating and TDIU due to incomplete development of evidence, including a need for additional medical opinions regarding employment impact.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, headaches, neck stiffness, facial numbness, leg problems, and urinary tract issues are all service-connected as residuals of an in-service head injury.

The Board has granted a 20 percent evaluation for left arm pain with sensory changes of the fingers, which is equivalent to the combined rating sought by the veteran's representative. The claim for an increased (compensable) disability evaluation for bilateral hearing loss remains denied as there is no evidence that the current noncompensable rating does not adequately reflect the severity of the condition. A separate 10 percent evaluation has been granted for tinnitus, which is found to be related to service.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his right ear hearing loss, finding that the evidence did not support a compensable evaluation. The veteran was granted service connection for recurrent otitis media but no new and material evidence had been submitted to reopen other claims.

The Board has dismissed the appeal because no substantive appeal was filed within the required time frame.

The Board has ordered further development in the veteran's case due to pending issues and evidence. The appeal is currently remanded for additional consideration.

The veteran's claims for a compensable evaluation for service-connected dermatophytosis of the hands, and service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are being remanded due to inadequate development.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of his current hearing loss and right knee condition, which are presumed to be related to service.

The veteran's total rating for compensation based upon individual unemployability was granted effective August 12, 2000. The RO found that the veteran became unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities starting from December 31, 1994.

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

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 bilateral hearing loss disability warrants a noncompensable evaluation prior to May 9, 2002, and a 10 percent evaluation from May 9, 2002.

The VA determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not warrant a compensable rating.

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

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed and the case is being remanded to the RO for further consideration.