Hearing loss decisions — 2004

The VA determined that the veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability recognized as a VA hearing loss condition.

The Board denied service connection for left ear hearing loss disability and bilateral cataracts, finding no evidence of a nexus between the current disabilities and service.

The veteran seeks service connection for a bilateral ear disorder, including hearing loss and vertigo. The case is remanded to obtain additional evidence and determine the nature and etiology of any such disorders.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right ear hearing loss existed prior to service and was not aggravated during service. The veteran's current bilateral knee disability is not related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss is service-connected and granted a rating of 10 percent. The veteran's keratitis sicca, characterized by decreased tear production in each eye due to a history of diesel fuel splashing during active service, is currently rated at 10 percent under Diagnostic Code 6009 for chronic form of keratitis.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for tinnitus and whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen a claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The RO previously denied these claims in October 1990, but did not receive an appeal from the veteran.

The VA has determined that the veteran's tinnitus and hearing loss do not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent, as these conditions are already at their maximum allowable under VA regulations.

The Board has found new and material evidence to reopen the claim of service connection for left ear hearing loss, which was previously denied in September 1990. The veteran's testimony during a May 2003 RO hearing provided additional information about his military service and current health condition.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection of bilateral hearing loss. The veteran's current bilateral hearing disability is related to his military service, and thus service connection is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling VA examinations and obtaining additional medical records. The veteran's claims for increased ratings for right ear hearing loss, tinnitus, and an adjustment disorder with anxious features are being reviewed.

The veteran's appeals for increased disability rating and earlier effective date for tinnitus were dismissed due to failure to file a timely substantive appeal.

The Board has granted an initial evaluation of 20 percent for the veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss, effective August 18, 2000.

The Board dismissed the veteran's appeal regarding his right ankle disorder due to withdrawal of the appeal. The claims for hypertension, right ear hearing loss, and left ankle disorder were not reopened as new and material evidence was not received.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a back injury and a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, finding that there is insufficient evidence to support these claims.

The Board has remanded the case due to deficiencies in VCAA notice and development of evidence, including obtaining medical records, verifying stressors, and providing VA examinations.

The Board has granted a 70 percent disability rating for the veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss, effective as of March 2003. The issue regarding increased disability rating for tinnitus is pending and will be addressed in the REMAND section.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his military service, and thus denied both claims.

The veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for additional development and notification under the VCAA.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed conditions, including hearing loss in both ears, tinnitus, varicose veins, and a stomach disorder (peptic ulcer disease), were not incurred or aggravated by active service. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for any of these conditions.