Hearing loss decisions — 2004

The Board denied an increased evaluation for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the veteran's condition warranted a 40% rating under the applicable VA rating criteria. The highest possible evaluation has been granted.

The VA determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not warrant a compensable evaluation, resulting in a denial of his claim.

The Board has determined that the appellant's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus must be remanded due to incomplete development, including a need for clarification on whether he is a veteran of combat and was exposed to acoustic trauma during his military service.

The veteran's claim of TDIU was received on May 8, 2002. The RO granted TDIU effective from May 7, 2002 based on the severity of his service-connected bilateral hearing loss.

The veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss was granted, but the RO needs to schedule a new VA examination to determine the current level of disability due to his hearing loss. The claim is remanded for further development.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an initial compensable evaluation for service-connected bilateral hearing loss, as her current disability level does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for a compensable rating for service-connected bilateral hearing loss and service connection for arthritis of the back due to residuals of shell fragment wounds with scar over midline of lower back. The decision found that the veteran did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating for his bilateral hearing loss, but did not address the issue of service connection for arthritis of the back.

The Board found that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of hearing loss or tinnitus, and there is no evidence linking these conditions to service. Therefore, service connection for both hearing loss and tinnitus was denied.

The Board found that the veteran does not have an impaired hearing disability in either ear meeting VA compensation criteria, thus denying service connection for bilateral hearing loss.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss, currently evaluated at 60 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and a rating higher than 10 percent for mitral valve regurgitation. The decision is final as the appeal was not about these issues.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, but the effective date remains pending as it was not established in this decision.

The Board found no evidence of a current psychiatric disorder related to military service and denied the claim for service connection. For bilateral hearing loss, while there was noise exposure during service, the Board determined that the current disability is not linked to in-service acoustic trauma.

The veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss was denied. The appeal regarding the June 1994 decision denying service connection for tinnitus is pending and has been reopened based on new evidence.

The veteran's disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss, hypertension, atherosclerotic aorta, chronic cough, nape pain, and periodic respiratory symptoms, prevent him from engaging in substantially gainful employment. The VA has determined that these conditions meet the criteria for a permanent and total disability rating for pension purposes.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed right shoulder, left hip, and bilateral hearing loss disorders are not service-connected. The evidence does not show any specific diagnoses or findings related to these conditions during active service.

The VA has determined that the veteran's hearing loss does not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent for the period from April 3, 2000, to March 28, 2004, and does not meet criteria for a higher rating beginning March 29, 2004.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the veteran's current conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional medical examination and evidence for the appellant's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, bilateral tinnitus, and residuals, right hand disability.

The veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a VA examination.