Hearing loss decisions — 2005

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for hearing loss, finding that new and material evidence was not submitted to reopen the previously denied claim.

The veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable (0%) due to the current average puretone threshold of 39 decibels in each ear, which falls within Level I hearing acuity. The appeal is denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's pre-existing bilateral hearing loss was not aggravated by military service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The veteran's claims for increased PTSD, reopening a right wrist injury claim, and service connection for various conditions were denied. The denial of the PTSD claim is due to failure to meet the criteria for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent. The denial of the right wrist injury claim is due to lack of new and material evidence. Service connection was not granted for asthma, digestive disorder, broken finger (right or left), patellofemoral arthritis, headaches, bilateral hearing loss, prostatitis, skin disorders, or lung disorders.

The RO denied increased ratings for cluster headaches, bilateral hearing loss, and a total rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities. The veteran did not file a timely and adequate substantive appeal.

The Board found that the veteran's hearing loss was not incurred in or as a result of his active service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting a VA examination. The veteran's claims of service connection for tinnitus, vertigo, headaches, and bilateral hearing loss are pending.

The VA has determined that the veteran's hearing loss and perforated tympanic membrane do not warrant increased ratings as they are currently evaluated.

The Board found no evidence linking the veteran's current hearing loss disability to his military service, including noise exposure. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Board found that the veteran's hearing loss disability was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left ear hearing loss disability is related to service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board found that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right ear hearing loss was not incurred or aggravated during active service and cannot be presumed to have been incurred therein. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and residuals of a back injury, finding that new and material evidence was not submitted to reopen these claims.

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

The Board denied an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss prior to January 6, 2003 and a higher rating effective from that date.

The Board denied the veteran's request for an effective date prior to June 10, 1999, for a grant of a compensable evaluation for tinnitus. The claim was granted on VA initiative in August 2000 and assigned a separate 10% evaluation with an effective date of April 28, 2000.

The Board found no evidence of a chronic acquired right knee disorder in service or for many years thereafter, and thus denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and right knee disability.

The veteran's tonsillar carcinoma, presumed to be caused by Agent Orange exposure in Vietnam, was granted service connection. His high frequency hearing loss remains service-connected with a rating of 0%.

The veteran has withdrawn his appeal, resulting in the dismissal of the case.