Hearing loss decisions — 2005

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and information from the Social Security Administration.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine and bilateral hearing loss. The appeal regarding nonservice-connected VA pension is REMANDED.

The Board found that the veteran did not suffer a nose fracture during active duty service and any residuals of a nose fracture are otherwise related to such service. The claim for bilateral hearing loss is addressed in the REMAND portion.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service records and a need for further development, including obtaining evidence of exposure during basic training.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss are not related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to comply with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 and to obtain a VA medical opinion regarding service connection for PTSD and right ear hearing loss.

The VA denied an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the veteran's hearing impairment did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

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

The Board denied service connection for the veteran's claimed conditions, finding that pes planus was not incurred in or aggravated by active service, bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were linked to noise exposure during service, a skin rash and viral illness with dermatitis did not have evidence of an onset related to service, sleep apnea was not due to undiagnosed illness, irritable bowel syndrome was diagnosed years after service without evidence linking it to service, joint pain was also diagnosed post-service without evidence linking it to service, and residuals of mole removal were asymptomatic.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examinations and failure to provide proper VCAA notice.

The Board found that the RO's decisions to reduce the ratings for bilateral hearing loss were proper, and denied the veteran's claims regarding these reductions.

The Board determined that the veteran's vocational limitations due to his service-connected schizophrenia, combined with multiple medical disorders and lack of formal education since 1975, make it infeasible for him to become gainfully employed.

The veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is currently rated as 0 percent disabling, and the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating.

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

The Board denied service connection for a back disability and bilateral hearing loss, finding no nexus between the disabilities and active military service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining service medical records and providing the veteran with a VA examination to determine if his hearing loss and tinnitus are related to military service.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded to the RO for further development and consideration.

The veteran's hearing loss was found to be noncompensable prior to March 25, 2003 and as of that date. The RO denied the claims for compensable ratings.

The veteran is granted a certificate of eligibility for financial assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing due to service-connected disabilities. The issue of whether there is new and material evidence to reopen the hearing loss claim has been remanded. Special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance remains denied.

The veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability was first manifested many years after service and is not related to his active service or any incident therein. The claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability is denied.