Hearing loss decisions — 2003

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss, finding that the evidence did not support a higher evaluation prior to April 1, 2002 or since April 1, 2002.

The Board found that the appellant's bilateral hearing loss did not warrant an increased (compensable) evaluation under VA rating criteria, as his most recent audiometric findings translated into Level I hearing loss for both ears.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection for tinnitus based on clear and unmistakable error in prior final rating decisions was denied. The RO addressed the issue of CUE in both the July 1974 and March 1995 rating decisions, but found no evidence of CUE.

The VA determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under the applicable disability evaluation schedule.

The veteran's appeal for service connection for hearing loss has been dismissed due to his death.

The Board has granted service connection for a scar as a residual of a microdiskectomy of the lumbar spine, but denied service connection for hearing loss disability.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the threshold requirements for eligibility for financial assistance in purchasing an automobile and adaptive equipment, or for adaptive equipment only. The appeal is denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to his failure to report for scheduled VA examinations.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were incurred or aggravated by his military service, with noise exposure being a significant factor. The RO granted service connection for these conditions.

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

The veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing and following some type of gainful employment between June 13, 1997 and June 21, 1999.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected conditions significantly contribute to his impairment of employment, and he is entitled to vocational rehabilitation training under Chapter 31.

The veteran's claims of increased ratings for PTSD, deviated nasal septum, and bilateral hearing loss were denied by the RO.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claims of service connection for hearing loss in the right ear and tinnitus.

The Board granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and awarded a 10% disability rating for the veteran's left ankle fracture, finding that noise exposure during service caused his current hearing impairment and that he has moderate limitation of motion in his left ankle.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating of PTSD from 10% to 30% has been granted, effective November 20, 1995. The appeal on the issue of entitlement to a compensable initial disability rating for left ear hearing loss and tinnitus is dismissed.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is related to service, specifically his exposure to noise in the engine room during Navy service. The claim for right ear hearing loss was denied as there is no evidence of a current disability within one year post-service and no medical nexus between the current condition and service.

The Board has granted a compensable evaluation of 10 percent for service-connected otitis media of the left ear, and denied service connection for a perforated eardrum of the left ear. The hearing loss in the left ear is rated as noncompensable.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a skin disorder, residuals of a hemorrhage of the head, left eye disability, and bilateral hearing loss. The decision found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the claim for a skin disorder. It also determined that there was no evidence linking any current disabilities to service.

The Board found that the veteran's pes planus, hearing loss, and tinnitus were not service-connected as they did not meet the criteria for service connection under direct service connection or any other applicable theory of entitlement. The veteran's flat feet preexisted his military service and worsened during active duty, but this was not considered aggravation due to service. His hearing loss and tinnitus were not shown to be related to service.