Hearing loss decisions — 2004

The Board denied a higher initial evaluation for the veteran's right foot disability and left ear hearing loss, finding that the evidence did not support ratings greater than 10 percent.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the loss of his service medical records and the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from engaging in substantially gainful employment, and thus a total disability rating based on individual unemployability is denied.

The veteran is seeking service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The Board has determined that additional development of the record, including obtaining medical records and conducting a VA examination, is necessary before deciding his claim.

The Board found that the veteran does not meet the criteria for a 100 percent evaluation for PTSD, and denied his claim for an initial disability evaluation in excess of 70 percent for service-connected PTSD. The case is remanded to determine if there are any other issues or claims related to hearing loss.

The RO denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including PTSD, a low disability (likely referring to low back disability), hearing loss, lung disease (including asthma), urethral stricture, migraine headaches, arthritis of the left shoulder, bilateral knee disorder, and sinusitis. The denial is final as it was made in August 2001.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board) denied the veteran's claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss in a July 1997 rating decision. The case was remanded multiple times, including an October 2003 rating decision that granted service connection for tinnitus and assigned the maximum (10 percent) rating.

The veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not establish a current disability or link to service, respectively. Service connection was also denied for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine as there was no evidence of aggravation of a pre-existing condition.

The Board has found that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen claims for service connection for degenerative changes of the lumbar spine (low back pain) and right ear hearing loss. The merits of these claims are not addressed in this decision.

The veteran's current bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus were incurred in active service, warranting service connection.

The Board found that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were related to his service, specifically noise exposure. The upper back disability was not diagnosed, and panic disorder was initially manifested during service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss and dental condition are service-connected, with no specific rating assigned as both conditions meet the criteria for VA disability compensation.

The Board has received notification that the appellant wishes to withdraw their appeal, and thus the appeal is dismissed.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and denied service connection for tinnitus. Bilateral hearing loss is found to be related to the veteran's military service, while no current diagnosis of tinnitus was established.

The Board found that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were incurred during his active service, with some aggravation from post-service noise exposure. The decision grants service connection for these conditions.

The veteran's need for aid and attendance due to service-connected conditions, specifically his cardiomyopathy and bilateral hearing loss, has been established. He is now entitled to a higher rate of special monthly compensation.

The VA determined that the veteran's hearing loss did not warrant a compensable rating based on the audiometric test results provided.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration, including obtaining updated VA clinical records, Social Security Administration (SSA) records, and vocational rehabilitation program information. The veteran's low back problems are being evaluated by a VA orthopedic specialist to determine their impact on his ability to work.

The veteran's claims for service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder and increased evaluations for bilateral hearing loss were denied. The veteran was not granted service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder, but his bilateral hearing loss disability was evaluated as noncompensable prior to June 10, 1999, and then rated at 10 percent from June 10, 1999 to February 18, 2003. The evaluation for the disability increased to 20 percent starting February 19, 2003.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is related to noise exposure during service, and thus grants his claim for service connection.