Hearing loss decisions — 2005

The VA has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not warrant an increased rating, as it currently meets the criteria for a noncompensable evaluation.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that it was less likely than not that these conditions were incurred during service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected right foot condition warrants a disability rating of 20 percent, and his bilateral hearing loss is related to military noise exposure. The issues have been granted.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for a VA audiological evaluation to determine the severity of his service-connected bilateral hearing loss with otosclerosis of the left ear.

The VA determined that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is less likely than not related to his military service, including noise exposure during active duty.

The VA has denied the veteran's claim for an initial compensable evaluation for his service-connected left ear hearing loss.

The Board denied the appellant's request to reopen her claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, finding that no new and material evidence had been presented.

The veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 40 percent for bilateral hearing loss is denied as the evidence does not support such an increase.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for emphysema and lung cancer due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his active service. The right lower leg scar is granted as service-connected, but the remaining claims are denied.

The Board granted the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his low back disability and left ear tinnitus, as well as service connection for bilateral hearing loss, maxillary sinusitis, and migraine headaches. The claim for a right ankle disability was denied, as were those for a left ankle disability, and a bilateral knee disability.

The Board denied the request to reopen a previously denied claim for service connection for right-ear hearing loss and denied service connection for left-ear hearing loss due to lack of new and material evidence.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Travel Board hearing. The issues of service connection for chloracne, gallstones, and hearing loss are pending.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for right ear hearing loss disability. Service connection is granted for this condition as it was aggravated during service. The veteran's left ear hearing loss disability is also found to be incurred in service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability warrants a noncompensable evaluation, and thus denied his claim for an initial compensable evaluation. The issue of service connection for tinnitus remains pending as it was not addressed in this decision.

The Board has remanded the case for compliance with the Court's June 2004 decision, including ensuring that the notification requirements are fully satisfied and scheduling an audiological examination. The RO should also review the claims file to ensure all directives of this remand are complied with.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding no evidence of in-service hearing loss or tinnitus that could be linked to his military service.

The Board has granted an effective date of November 14, 2001 for the veteran's increased rating of 20% for bilateral hearing loss.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The veteran is seeking an increased rating for his service-connected left hip fracture and seeks service connection for various conditions including lung disability, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and dental disability.,The veteran claims he has a lung disorder that originated in service. The VA requested and received treatment records from the Newington VAMC for the period prior to 1999. A VA examination is needed to determine the etiology of his hearing loss and tinnitus.,The veteran contends that his bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to service exposure, but no specific exposure basis has been provided. The RO should obtain treatment records from the Newington VAMC for the period prior to 1995 and arrange for a VA examination of the veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus.,The veteran claims that his dental disability is related to his service-connected loss of teeth numbers 7 through 10. The RO should obtain treatment records from Dr. L. Lockerman, if available, and arrange for a VA dental examination to determine the nature, extent, and etiology of any dental disability.,The veteran seeks service connection for dental disability (other than loss of teeth numbers 7 to 10). The RO should obtain medical records from Dr. L. Lockerman and arrange for a VA dental examination to determine the nature, extent, and etiology of any dental disability.

The veteran is entitled to additional special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person due to his service-connected disabilities.