Hearing loss decisions — 2003

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for initial disability ratings in excess of 10 percent for right ear hearing loss and tinnitus have been denied as there is no evidence to support such a rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss warrants a 30 percent evaluation, which is higher than the current 20 percent rating. This decision grants an increased evaluation for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is related to service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has ordered further development in the veteran's case due to pending issues and requested evidence. The appeal is currently remanded for additional development of medical records related to hearing loss.

The veteran seeks an increased evaluation for service-connected bilateral hearing loss. The RO granted service connection and a noncompensable evaluation in January 2001, but the veteran disagrees with this decision and appeals only for an increased evaluation.

The veteran seeks an earlier effective date for service connection granted in August 2001. The Board found that the March 1971 denial of his original claim was final, and there is no evidence at that time to support a finding of bilateral hearing loss or tinnitus due to inservice noise exposure.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for hearing loss disability, back injury, scalp and skin rash, sleep disorder, and personality disorder. The decision found that a personality disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of tinnitus and hearing loss, finding that the claims were not supported by evidence showing a diagnosis or treatment during active duty.

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for left ear hearing loss, finding that new and material evidence had not been presented.

The veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss was granted, but the evaluation remains at zero percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus, concluding that his honorable period of service ended in 1987 and any subsequent issues were not covered by VA benefits.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to ensure compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA).

The Board has ordered further development due to pending issues regarding the service connection of hearing loss secondary to a previously service-connected condition (cerebrospinal meningitis). The case is now remanded for additional development.

The Board has ordered further development due to the need for additional evidence. The case is now being remanded to the RO for obtaining medical records and conducting an audiometric examination.

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

The Board has determined that the submitted evidence does not meet the criteria for reopening any of the veteran's claims, and thus the original denial remains in effect.

The Board found that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss, evaluated as zero percent disabling, did not meet the criteria for an increased rating.