Hearing loss decisions — 2004

The Board has determined that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is due to in-service noise exposure and acoustic trauma, and grants service connection for this condition.

The veteran's disabilities, including his service-connected eye disorders and bilateral hearing loss, do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for aid and attendance or being housebound.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are service-connected, as they are linked to his exposure to acoustic trauma during active military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an initial schedular rating higher than 10 percent for bilateral tinnitus and a prior effective date for service connection of bilateral tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss.

The Board denied an increased rating for left ear hearing loss, finding that the veteran's service-connected condition is currently manifested by level XI hearing and he is not deaf in his right ear.

The VA determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not warrant a compensable rating, as it only meets Level III and Level II standards in each ear based on audiometric testing.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his service connection claims.

The VA determined that the veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss does not warrant a higher disability rating, as it currently results in Level III hearing acuity in both ears.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 100 percent evaluation for bilateral hearing loss, finding that it was not factually ascertainable that an increase in disability due to bilateral hearing loss occurred within one year before June 28, 1999.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating.

The Board found that the veteran currently has degenerative joint disease of the left hip, but there is no direct medical evidence linking this condition to service. The claim for right ear hearing loss was remanded due to a lack of recent audiometric testing.

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

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for hypertension, respiratory disorder (COPD with bronchitis), bilateral hearing loss, and otitis externa. The criteria for evaluating these conditions were in effect at the time of his claim.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Board found no evidence linking the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss to his military service, and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal of his request for a hearing and appeal.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for service connection for hearing loss in his left ear.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and kidney stones, as well as his claim for service connection for PTSD. The Board also found that new and material evidence had not been presented to reopen claims for back and eye disorders.

The veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and presbyopia and refractive error of the eyes were denied. The veteran was granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, but his claim for presbyopia and refractive error of the eyes is not supported by VA regulations.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral ankle disorder, right knee disorder, and bilateral hearing loss. The claim for a low back disability was not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence.