Hearing loss decisions — 2004

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed cervical spine disorder, lumbar spine disorder, scar on the back of the neck, and scar on the left forearm were not incurred in or aggravated by active service. The veteran's bilateral hearing loss was also not related to his period of service.

The VA has determined that the veteran's hearing loss in the left ear does not meet the criteria for a compensable initial rating.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss did not warrant a disability rating in excess of zero percent, based on audiometric test results.

The Board has denied an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for the veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability on and after February 17, 2004. The issue of a compensable evaluation prior to that date remains pending.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The VA has denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, as they do not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under the applicable rating schedule.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right shoulder disability, which is currently rated at 40 percent, does not warrant a higher rating. The bilateral high frequency hearing loss is also currently rated at 10 percent and does not meet criteria for an increased rating.

The Board is remanding the case due to incomplete development and notification requirements under the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of in-service treatment for diabetes mellitus or bilateral hearing loss, and the veteran's currently diagnosed conditions are not related to service. Therefore, the claims for service connection have been denied.

The Board has granted a 10 percent rating for the service-connected residuals of a left tympanic membrane with purulent otitis, an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, and denied any increase in evaluation for tinnitus.

The Board found no evidence of hearing loss during service and denied the claim for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for hearing loss and an increased evaluation for hemorrhoids. The veteran does not have a current hearing loss disability as defined by VA regulations. His hemorrhoids are currently evaluated at 10%.

The veteran's left ear hearing loss, basal cell carcinoma of the nose, vocal cord polyps, and throat cancer were not shown to be related to his military service. The Board denied all claims for service connection.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding no competent evidence of a nexus between current disabilities and service.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as his claim for service connection for a cervical spine condition were denied by the RO. The RO found that the veteran did not meet the criteria for compensable ratings or service connection based on direct evidence.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to new and material evidence submitted since the October 1950 decision. The veteran's current hearing loss is attributed to in-service noise exposure.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for a skin disorder, right foot rash, and bilateral hearing loss. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were related to military service.

The Board has found that a remand is necessary due to the loss of service medical records and the need for additional evidence. The veteran's hearing loss will be evaluated through a VA examination, and he must provide any relevant evidence in his possession.

The Board found no evidence of current bilateral hearing loss and denied the veteran's claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current tinnitus is due to noise exposure in service, and grants service connection for this condition. The hearing loss claim is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability meeting VA compensation criteria.