Hearing loss decisions — 2004

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to the need for a VA examination and additional medical records.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension benefits based on the need for regular aid and attendance or on housebound status is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and consideration of all relevant evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development of records and failure to properly notify the veteran of his rights under the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA).

The Board has determined that the appellant's claim for a higher initial rating for bilateral hearing loss disability is denied. The reduction of the rating from noncompensable to 10 percent was proper and effective on December 19, 2001.

The Board found that the appellant's present hearing loss is not etiologically related to any period of active duty for training (ACDUTRA) or inactive duty for training (INACDUTRA) during his service with the Illinois National Guard.

The Board granted a compensable evaluation (10%) for the veteran's service-connected left ear sensorineural hearing loss, effective from December 6, 2002. The right ear was considered separately and found to have normal hearing.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is a result of noise exposure during his World War II service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The veteran's claim of entitlement to a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral hearing loss, including on an extraschedular basis is being remanded due to the need for updated VA examination and consideration.

The Board found that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred in or aggravated by service, nor could they be presumed to have been incurred in service. The evidence did not establish a link between current hearing loss and service exposure.

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

The Board has determined that the veteran's cervical radiculopathy and peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities are service-connected, as they are related to a combat injury sustained during active duty in Vietnam. The bilateral hearing loss is not service-connected.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The veteran's exposure to noise during military service is presumed, and it is as likely as not that his current hearing loss was aggravated by his active duty.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have current left otitis media or residuals of a left corneal abrasion, and decreased visual acuity due to refractive error. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus, headaches, right ear hearing loss, and tinnitus. The veteran did not have a pre-existing condition that was aggravated by his military service.

The case is being remanded for further development to ensure all necessary evidence has been obtained and reviewed, including Social Security Administration records and employment information. The veteran will also be provided with an opportunity to complete a VA Form 21-8940.

The Board found that the veteran's hearing loss did not meet or approximate the criteria for a compensable rating under VA's rating schedule, and thus denied his claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete notification and development requirements under the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA). The veteran's claim for service connection for hearing loss is pending.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a deviated septum, sinus disorder, right ear hearing loss, and arthritis of the feet. The tinnitus claim was granted with a 10% disability evaluation.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have current bilateral hearing loss or right knee disability for VA purposes and thus, service connection is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the veteran's current conditions are related to noise exposure in service.