Hearing loss decisions — 2005

The case is being remanded for additional development, including a VA audiological evaluation and clarification of the veteran's muscle groups involved in his service-connected conditions.

The veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability has been rated as noncompensable, and the Board finds that there is no evidence to warrant a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for an increased evaluation for PTSD and entitlement to TDIU due to insufficient reasons and bases in the previous decision. A new VA examination is required, along with a readjudication of the claims.

The Board finds that the veteran does not have a current, chronic disability manifested by urinary infections that can be attributed to her period of active military service. Therefore, her claim for service connection for urinary infections is denied.

The Board has denied all the claims for service connection as there is no evidence of a current disability or in-service event that would support these claims.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss does not warrant a compensable rating based on recent audiometric test results.

The Board denied service connection for a perforated left eardrum with hearing loss and denied the veteran's request for a compensable rating for a right ear perforation. The claim of service connection for PTSD was also denied, but the veteran appealed this decision to the Court.

The veteran's claim to reopen service connection for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss was denied due to lack of new and material evidence. His request for an increased evaluation for right ankle sprain disability was also denied.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully and fairly consider the veteran's claims, including records from SSA and private medical providers.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a VA examination to determine the etiology of the veteran's tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Travel Board hearing before a member of the Board.

The Board finds that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is caused by noise exposure during his military service, and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bone cancer and bilateral hearing loss due to a lack of competent evidence of current diagnoses.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss and an increased rating for her fracture of the left middle phalanx with internal fixation, laceration, and numbness. The veteran was not granted service connection for hearing loss as it was determined to be unrelated to her military service. For the fracture claim, the Board found that a 10 percent disability evaluation was appropriate.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person or on a finding that he is permanently housebound, as there was no evidence showing he needed constant help with daily needs such as bathing, dressing, or eating.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to determine if the veteran's current disabilities are related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss and degenerative joint disease of the right knee do not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating under VA's schedular guidelines.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of bilateral hearing loss was denied as no valid claim to reopen the case prior to November 19, 2002 was received.

The Board has remanded the case due to additional evidence received after the RO's initial consideration. The appellant's claims of increased ratings for service-connected hearing loss and bilateral tinnitus are pending.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining audiometry records and scheduling a VA examination.