Hearing loss decisions — 2004

The Board has determined that the veteran's left ear hearing loss does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation. The effective date for service connection of tinnitus remains April 29, 2002.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for hearing loss of his left ear, finding that the evidence does not warrant a higher rating based on current VA rating criteria.

The Board found that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is a consequence of acoustic trauma while on active duty, and granted service connection for this condition.

The veteran's initial claim for a compensable rating for service-connected bilateral hearing loss was denied as his current hearing impairment does not meet the criteria for any higher evaluation under VA's rating schedule.

The Board has granted service connection for hearing loss of the left ear.

The veteran withdrew his appeals for the issues of service connection for a prostate disorder, vertigo, and bilateral hearing loss prior to the Board's decision.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development and consideration of his claims, including service connection for residuals of cold injury to the feet, hearing loss, tinnitus, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD prior to December 4, 2002.

The Board finds that the veteran timely filed a notice of disagreement and substantive appeal regarding her claim for service connection for multiple disorders claimed as due to exposure to ionizing radiation. The September 1999 rating decision is therefore remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete service records and outstanding medical records.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, heart disease secondary to diabetes, and eye disorder secondary to diabetes. The medical evidence did not support a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 7913.

The Board denied the claim to reopen a previously denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding no new and material evidence was submitted.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for his service-connected left ear hearing loss.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for hearing loss, and with resolution of all reasonable doubt in favor of the veteran, establishes that his bilateral high frequency (sensorineural) hearing loss is attributable to noise exposure during military service. The claim for a compensable rating for retraction of the left eardrum is denied.

The Board has decided to remand the veteran's claims for increased rating and service connection due to incomplete information provided in the initial decision. The case will be returned to the RO for further action.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the veteran's current conditions are due to in-service acoustic trauma.

The veteran's PTSD is rated at 30 percent, and his bilateral hearing loss disability remains at 0 percent.

The veteran's service medical records are incomplete and do not show any complaints or findings related to hearing loss. The RO is instructed to obtain the veteran's service personnel records, including his DD-214s, and provide appropriate VCAA notice before readjudicating the claim.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss does not warrant a compensable rating at any time since the grant of service connection, and thus denied his claim for an initial compensable disability rating.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for service connection and evaluation of his hearing loss, malaria, PTSD, and depression due to procedural issues and the need for additional development.

The veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and a dental disorder are being remanded to obtain additional medical examinations and development of the record.