Hearing loss decisions — 2005

The veteran's claim for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss was denied. The RO assigned a 30 percent evaluation prior to February 9, 1999; a 40 percent evaluation from February 9, 1999 to June 10, 1999; and a 50 percent evaluation effective June 10, 1999.

The VA has determined that the veteran's chronic suppurative mastoiditis warrants a 10 percent disability rating, which is the highest possible under the applicable diagnostic code. The appeal is denied.

The Board denied the appellant's claims of entitlement to service connection for hearing loss and malignant fibrous histiocytoma, finding that there was no evidence of exposure to herbicide agents during service. The appellant's claim for hearing loss is granted as it is related to noise exposure in service. However, his claim for malignant fibrous histiocytoma cannot be linked to service due to lack of exposure to herbicide agents.

The Board denied the veteran's increased rating for his service-connected low back disability, finding that it did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under either the old or new rating criteria. The veteran's current disability is rated at 20 percent.

The veteran's appeals for initial compensable disability ratings for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss and inguinal hernia have been dismissed due to the veteran's withdrawal of these claims.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for mandible fracture residuals and left hearing loss, finding that there was no objective evidence of impairment warranting a higher rating under applicable VA regulations.

The Board has denied the appellant's claims for service connection for a broken right index finger, back disability, and bilateral hearing loss. The appeals were not successful as there was no current evidence of these conditions or a link to service.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as there is no evidence of residuals from service-connected conditions that would warrant a compensable evaluation.

The Board has dismissed the appeal as the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been fully granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus are service-connected, with a rating of 30 percent for tinea versicolor. The decision also addressed his claims for increased ratings.

The Board found that the cause of the veteran's death was not caused by, or substantially or materially contributed to by, a disability incurred in or aggravated by his active duty service. The preponderance of evidence did not support a finding that any of the listed conditions were related to the veteran's service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current right ear hearing loss is related to his periods of active duty and active duty for training between 1962 and 1967, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board found that the veteran's left ear hearing loss disability does not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for initial compensable disability ratings for right ear hearing loss and tinea versicolor, finding that his conditions did not warrant a higher rating under VA regulations.

The Board found that the veteran's claimed conditions of scars, a left arm disorder, and bilateral hearing loss were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The evidence did not establish a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected tympanotomy, right ear with chronic suppurative otitis, and right ear hearing loss do not warrant an increased evaluation.

The veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is rated as noncompensable, with Level II hearing acuity in both ears.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there was no evidence to support a direct relationship between these conditions and his military service.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an initial compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss, as his current level of hearing impairment does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA disability rating schedule.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the veteran's bilateral hearing loss. The claim will be reconsidered with a VA audiologist examination.