Hearing loss decisions — 2004

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development of medical records from former employers.

The veteran's hearing loss is currently rated at 10 percent, as Level II in the right ear and Level V in the left ear. The Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical services rendered by a private medical specialist from October 2000 to April 2002, finding that VA facilities were not feasibly available and that the care was not in an emergency situation.

The Board found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection for right ear hearing loss, as his recent audiometric results did not meet the criteria for a disability under VA regulations.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for Irritable Bowel Syndrome and a compensable evaluation for hearing loss, finding no evidence to support these claims.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left ear hearing loss is due to acoustic trauma in service and grants service connection for this condition.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional VCAA notice and development of his claims.

The Board finds that the veteran currently has bilateral hearing loss recognized as a disability for VA purposes and affirms service connection for this condition. The other claims are denied.

The Board granted a 10 percent evaluation for the veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss, effective May 14, 2001.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his service, granting his claims for these conditions.

The Board has granted an increased (compensable) disability rating of 10% for hemorrhoids, finding that the veteran's symptoms more nearly approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are both service-connected, with no need for further evidence or remand.

The Board granted an initial 20 percent disability rating for bilateral hearing loss, effective from the date of the decision. Service connection for tinnitus was also granted.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss and a higher rating for sinusitis. However, further development is needed as new evidence indicates potential associations with military service but does not provide sufficient medical opinion to substantiate these claims. The VA must conduct additional examinations and obtain updated medical opinions.

The Board found no evidence of hearing loss or tinnitus during service and denied the veteran's claims for service connection.

The Board has established service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the veteran's current conditions are related to his combat exposure during active duty.

The Board has determined that further development is needed for the veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and an eye condition, claimed as secondary to diabetes mellitus. The claims are being remanded for additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Board found that the veteran's hearing loss of both ears was aggravated by his military service, and granted entitlement to service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a corneal abrasion and periorbital contusion, bilateral hearing loss, bilateral knee scars, chronic fatigue syndrome, increased evaluations for PTSD, lumbar paravertebral myositis with small disc protrusion, and hypertension.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and a need for further examination.