Hearing loss decisions — 2005

The Board denied the appellant's claim of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to ear injury, finding that new and material evidence had not been received.

The veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss, and a compensable rating for hallux valgus of the right foot was denied by the RO. The decision is final.

The veteran's PTSD is rated at 100 percent, granting a total disability rating based on individual unemployability. The claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was withdrawn by the appellant.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for otosclerosis with bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of additional evidence.

The veteran's disabilities, while disabling, do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension by reason of being in need of aid and attendance or housebound.

The Board finds that the evidence supports a reduction from 20 percent to 10 percent disabling for the veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss, effective July 1, 2002. The claim of entitlement to an increased rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Board found that the appellant does not have a current hearing loss disability and denied service connection for hearing loss. The Board also found no in-service event or diagnosis related to tinnitus, and thus denied service connection for tinnitus.

The VA has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss warrants a 10 percent rating since May 12, 2000. The evidence does not support a higher rating during this period.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of VA examination and for further development.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding no evidence linking his current condition to service or any incident thereof. The veteran's testimony about exposure to loud noises during service was not supported by medical evidence.

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

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining his personnel records and providing him with a VA examination. The issues of service connection for various conditions are also being addressed.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development and consideration of the veteran's claim for service connection for hearing loss.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disorder, but denied the claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and left ankle injury.

The veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and an examination.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic headaches, finding that the veteran's current disability is at least as likely as not due to an in-service head injury. The claim for bilateral hearing loss was remanded and will be addressed by the RO.

The VA denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss in his right ear and an initial evaluation of more than 10 percent for residuals of a right ankle fracture. The VA found that there was no evidence of current hearing loss disability or significant limitation of motion warranting a higher rating.

The VA determined that the veteran's bilateral sensorineural hearing loss does not warrant a compensable rating under the applicable schedular criteria.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, fistula in ano, and generalized anxiety disorder. The decision found no evidence of a causal link between these conditions and active service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The evidence did not support a finding of direct service connection for these conditions.