Hearing loss decisions — 2004

The Board found that the veteran's hearing loss was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and denied his claim.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining additional medical records.

The veteran's PTSD is rated at 30 percent, and his claims for hypertension and bilateral hearing loss were denied as not service-connected.

The Board found that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred or aggravated during his military service, and thus denied his claims for service connection.

The Board denied an extraschedular rating for the veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss, finding that his disability did not markedly interfere with employment to such an extent as to present an exceptional disability picture warranting an extraschedular evaluation.

The veteran was granted service connection for PTSD, a back disorder, defective hearing, tinnitus, and gastrointestinal disorders as a result of exposure to ionizing radiation. The other issues were not granted.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and acoustic vestibular nerve dysfunction were denied. The RO assigned the maximum schedular rating for bilateral hearing loss, but did not grant a higher rating.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of the evidence, including a VA audiology examination to determine if his hearing loss and tinnitus are related to service.

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

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the veteran's claims, including obtaining medical opinions and evidence. The RO will then re-evaluate the claims in light of all pertinent evidence.

The Board has determined that the veteran's lumbosacral strain is related to service and grants this claim. The other issues on appeal are remanded for further development.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis, bilateral hearing loss, and a left knee condition. The decision on the left knee claim is final as it was not appealed.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims of service connection for heart disease, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, degenerative joint disease (arthritis) of multiple joints, and skin disease. The Board found no evidence linking these conditions to military service.

The veteran's claim for service connection for a hearing loss disability is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and opinion regarding the etiology of his hearing loss.

The VA denied a compensable rating for the veteran's bilateral high frequency neurosensory hearing loss.

The veteran's application for specially adapted housing and home adaptations was denied as he does not meet the criteria for such benefits due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling an audiological examination and obtaining medical records. The veteran's claim for a compensable rating for right ear hearing loss remains pending.

The veteran's disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound.

The VA has denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his bilateral hearing loss, allergic rhinosinusitis, and bilateral pterygium. The current evaluations are found to be appropriate based on the evidence of record.

The Board denied a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and did not address the issue of an earlier effective date for tinnitus.