Hearing loss decisions — 2004

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected conditions are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and compliance with VCAA requirements.

The VA determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating, as his current level of hearing impairment is no more than Level III in both ears.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and left knee disability. The Board found that there was no evidence of a hip disability or left knee disability during service or within one year after separation from service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus can be adjudicated. The veteran's claim will be remanded to allow for further examination and consideration of his claims.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for an increased disability rating for bilateral hearing loss and service connection for osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine. The veteran was granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, but not for the low back disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for low back, cervical spine, bilateral foot and toe disabilities, and right ear hearing loss. The veteran's current conditions are found to be related to his military service.

The veteran's service connection claims for various conditions have been granted, with the exception of conjunctivitis. The left elbow disability is found to be related to service and rated at 20 percent. Other conditions are also found to be related to service.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and macular degeneration, as well as the veteran's claims for increased ratings for furunculosis externa of the left ear, residuals of a right foot infection, and otitis media of the right ear. The Board found no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board found that hearing loss was not incurred in or aggravated by service and may not be presumed to have been incurred therein. The claims for headaches and lung disability were reopened, but the veteran's current hearing loss is attributed to post-service noise exposure.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to ensure compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA). The case is being remanded for further action.

The veteran's initial claim for service connection and increased rating for hearing loss was granted. The RO assigned a non-compensable rating until October 23, 2002, then upgraded to 20 percent effective from October 24, 2002. For tinnitus, the veteran received a 10 percent rating since June 10, 1999.

The Board has received notification from the appellant that they wish to withdraw their appeal, leading to its dismissal.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, right foot fungus, and a right knee disability. The request to reopen his claim of service connection for skin rash was also denied. The veteran's increased rating claim for left knee injury is pending.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal of his appeal.

The VA denied the veteran's claims for an initial compensable disability evaluation for bilateral hearing loss and separate 10 percent disability ratings for each ear for tinnitus.

The veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for an appropriate VA examination.

The VA denied a compensable rating for the veteran's bilateral hearing loss, finding that his condition corresponds to Level I hearing acuity, warranting no more than a noncompensable rating.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development of his medical records and an examination to determine if he is unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for hearing loss due to new evidence submitted since the last denial. The evidence shows that the veteran was exposed to noise during his military service and currently has bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, which is considered a compensable disability under VA regulations.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination and consideration of whether the veteran's discharge from service is a bar to VA benefits. The claim for service connection for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss will also be reconsidered.