Hearing loss decisions — 2004

The VA determined that the veteran's service-connected bilateral sensorineural hearing loss does not warrant a compensable evaluation, as his hearing impairment did not meet the criteria for any higher rating under the applicable VA rating schedule.

The veteran is seeking service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, which he claims are related to his military service. The Board has decided that a VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board found that the reduction from a 30% to a 20% rating for bilateral hearing loss was proper and denied restoration of the 30% rating.

The veteran's right ear hearing loss is not shown to be more than Level I, which corresponds to a noncompensable rating.,There is no evidence of tinnitus in service or within one year post-service. The current tinnitus was first reported many years after service and there is insufficient medical evidence linking it to military service.

The Board denied service connection for left ear hearing loss and an increased evaluation for low back disorder.

The veteran's original claim for bilateral hearing loss was denied in February 1995. He filed to reopen the claim in March 2002, and service connection was granted with a 40% evaluation effective from March 14, 2002.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for VA examinations.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that new evidence did not establish a current disability or link it to service. The veteran was informed of his right to appeal this decision.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, finding that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen any of these claims.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not warrant a compensable evaluation, as his puretone thresholds do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under VA standards.

The Board denied an increased rating for the veteran's bilateral hearing loss, finding that a rating in excess of 40 percent is not warranted based on the evidence provided.

The Board found that the veteran's residuals of cold injuries to the hands and feet are related to service, granting this claim. The claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not addressed in detail.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an effective date prior to December 1, 2001 for a TDIU rating as it was not factually ascertainable that he became individually unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities before this date.

The veteran claims service connection for hearing loss, which he alleges is due to noise exposure during military service. The claim is being remanded for further development and examination.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for prostate cancer and bilateral hearing loss are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating for his service-connected hearing loss in the left ear or right ankle disorder, as there is no evidence of functional impairment warranting such a rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an initial compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss and remanded his service connection claim for a low back disorder, diagnosed as spina bifida, including secondary to service-connected left knee and left foot disorders.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, finding that his current hearing loss does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation under VA's rating schedule.

The Board has dismissed the veteran's appeal due to a withdrawal request.