Hearing loss decisions — 2004

The Board denied a higher initial evaluation for the veteran's bilateral hearing loss, finding that the current noncompensable rating is appropriate based on the December 2001 VA examination results.

The Board has determined that the veteran did not timely file a Substantive Appeal regarding whether new and material evidence had been submitted to reopen his claims of service connection for tinnitus and hearing loss. As a result, these issues are dismissed.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder and granted entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The veteran's current diagnoses of schizophrenia and sensorineural hearing loss are considered in deciding these claims.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and skin disorders of the feet. The appeals were based on direct evidence rather than presumptive exposure to herbicide agents.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and separate ratings for tinnitus, finding no new and material evidence to reopen the claim for hearing loss and concluding that tinnitus does not constitute a separate disability warranting separate ratings.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding no evidence of current disabilities or a nexus to military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are at least as likely as not related to his combat service in Vietnam, granting service connection for these conditions.

The veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, right shoulder disorder, diabetes mellitus type II (due to herbicide exposure), congestive heart failure, and hypertension are being remanded due to the need for additional development of his service records and medical records.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for a compensable rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss and service connection for hypertension, a right leg disability, a heart disability, and poor circulation in the right leg. The evidence did not support the veteran's assertions that these conditions were related to his military service.

The veteran's bilateral hearing loss was evaluated, but audiometric test results did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under VA disability evaluation guidelines.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate notification and development, need for a name change verification, and need for VA examinations regarding back disorder, right leg disorder, hearing loss, and tinnitus.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and PTSD, finding that the evidence did not meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD.

The VA determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not warrant a rating higher than zero percent.

The veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA audiological examination and consideration of additional evidence.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss was granted, and he is now service-connected for carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, right knee condition, right leg condition, and back disorder. The claim for an increased initial disability rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD was also denied.

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

The veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for sinusitis, left shoulder disorder, and right ear hearing loss were denied by the RO.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for a lung disorder and hearing loss, finding no competent medical or lay evidence to support these claims.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current disability of bilateral hearing loss, and there is no evidence linking this condition to his service. As such, the claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied.