Hearing loss decisions — 2004

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for bilateral hearing loss, finding that his test results did not warrant a higher rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss and mechanical low back pain, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss in the July 1993 rating decision. The case is now remanded to the RO for further development.

The veteran's appeal was dismissed due to the failure to file a timely Notice of Disagreement (NOD) regarding his bilateral plantar fasciitis claim. The remaining claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and his eligibility for vocational rehabilitation training under Chapter 31 of Title 38, United States Code.

The Board finds that the veteran's claims for service connection and effective dates are granted. Effective from December 22, 2000, he is entitled to service connection for right ear hearing loss, left ear hearing loss, otitis media, perforation of tympanic membranes (both ears), respiratory disorder (claimed as breathing problems), residuals of rib fractures, sinusitis, and a left shoulder disability.

The veteran's claims for initial compensable ratings for bilateral hearing loss and increased rating for tinnitus were denied as the criteria for these conditions have not been met.

The veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss and residuals of a back injury are being remanded due to the need to obtain his service personnel records, review VA treatment records from June 2001 to present, and consider any additional evidence submitted.

The veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional audiometric evaluations and consideration of his claim.

The veteran's claim for service connection for hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for a more comprehensive VA examination and additional relevant records.

The veteran's initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and a schedular rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus are denied. The effective dates for the assigned ratings remain pending.

Service connection for left ear hearing loss and bronchitis is denied.,Service connection for chronic prostatitis, claimed as the residual of exposure to Agent Orange, is granted on a presumptive basis.

The veteran seeks increased evaluations for his service-connected post-traumatic stress disorder and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability. The case is being remanded to the RO for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting examinations.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings were granted, with the right ear hearing loss receiving a 10% rating and psoriasis receiving a 10% rating. The osteotomy residuals remain at 0%. No new evidence was presented to reopen any previously denied claims.

The Board has reopened the claim of entitlement to service connection for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. However, additional development is needed before a decision can be made on whether there is an etiological relationship between active duty and these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and readjudication, including consideration of the veteran's assertions regarding his service-connected disability and new evidence.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and failure to obtain necessary medical records.

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

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased disability ratings and service connection for various conditions, including tinnitus, degenerative arthritis of the right arm, upper gastrointestinal disorder, cardiovascular disorder, bilateral hearing loss, irritable colon syndrome, left knee disorder, right knee disorder, right ankle disorder, and left ankle disorder. The decision also addressed his claim for PTSD.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluation of tinnitus and service connection for hearing loss were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a current disability as defined by VA, thus denying both claims.