Hearing loss decisions — 2005

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred or aggravated during service, and therefore denied both claims.

The VA has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss and PTSD do not warrant increased ratings beyond their current levels.

The Board found that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss was not incurred or aggravated during his military service.

The Board granted an increased evaluation of 10 percent for the service-connected bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has decided to remand the veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to additional development and compliance with VCAA requirements.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to inadequate compliance with prior development instructions. The case must be returned to the RO for further action, including an opinion regarding otosclerosis and its relation to active duty service.

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

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus based on clear and unmistakable error (CUE) in a prior rating decision. The RO had previously denied his original claims, but granted them with an effective date of February 8, 2000.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to incomplete information regarding the veteran's service history and duties.

The Board denied the veteran's request for an earlier effective date of September 23, 2003, for service connection of bilateral hearing loss. The decision found no clear and unmistakable error in the January 1981 rating decision that initially denied service connection.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the veteran's claim of service connection for tinnitus. The veteran is now granted service connection for tinnitus as it is associated with his already service-connected bilateral hearing loss.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of bilateral hearing loss, finding that the evidence did not support a finding of entitlement prior to December 8, 1992.

The VA determined that the veteran's pre-existing hearing loss in the left ear from 3000 Hertz to 6000 Hertz existed prior to service and was not aggravated by military noise exposure. As a result, the claim for service connection for hearing loss in the left ear is denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions due to asbestos exposure, finding no new and material evidence to reopen his claim of shrapnel wounds to the face. The VA examiner did not provide an opinion regarding the etiology of any of the veteran's claimed disabilities.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss is likely due to exposure to acoustic trauma during service, and thus grants service connection for this condition. The issue of service connection for vertigo remains pending.

The veteran's claim for an initial compensable disability evaluation for hearing loss of the left ear is being remanded due to insufficient evidence in the VA examination reports. Further development, including a new audiogram and Maryland CNC speech recognition test, is required before deciding his case.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss of the right ear, low back disability including arthritis, bilateral hip disability including arthritis, and bilateral knee disability including arthritis. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for various disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss, a skin disability of the hands (condyloma acuminatum), left testicle condition with loss of a creative organ, arthritis of the hands due to cold exposure, jaundice, frequent urination, and dry mouth. The Board found that these conditions were not incurred in service.

The Board found that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability did not manifest during service or within one year of separation, and there is no competent evidence linking it to service. The Board also found that tinnitus was first manifested many years after service and is unrelated thereto.

The veteran's claims for service connection were denied as there is no evidence of a current disability or link to his military service.