Hearing loss decisions — 2005

The veteran's service-connected loss of vision in the left eye from multiple retinal detachments is currently rated at 30 percent, effective September 1, 2000. His bilateral hearing loss remains noncompensable. The veteran's service-connected actinic keratosis on his scalp, face, forearms, and dorsum of hands has been increased to a 10% rating, effective August 30, 2002.,The veteran is blind in the left eye with no light perception, while having normal vision in the right eye. His bilateral hearing loss is rated as Level I (mild) in both ears.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not warrant a disability rating in excess of 10 percent.

The veteran's claim for an increased initial rating for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded to the RO for further action, including obtaining a complete audiometric examination report and considering staged ratings.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining his complete treatment records and scheduling him for VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance of another is being remanded due to the need for a current VA examination, as well as further development regarding service connection for residuals of head injury.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected disabilities (ulcerative colitis, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus) are sufficient to meet the criteria for a TDIU.

The veteran's back disability is granted service connection, and he is not entitled to an initial compensable evaluation for his bilateral hearing loss.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher evaluations for his right inguinal hernia and bilateral hearing loss, finding that the evidence did not support ratings in excess of the current noncompensable and 10 percent disability ratings assigned.

The Board found that the reduction of the veteran's disability rating for bilateral hearing loss to 20 percent, effective June 1, 2002, was proper based on improvement in his hearing as shown by a November 2001 VA audiological examination.

The Board has determined that the appellant's bilateral hearing loss did not occur in service and is not related to service, thus denying his claim for service connection.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional records and examinations.

The Board has determined that the evidence received since the September 1996 denial is not new and material for any of the claims on appeal, thus denying each petition to reopen.

The veteran is seeking service connection for bilateral hearing loss, which he claims was incurred during his active duty in December 1942 to February 1944. The VA has ordered additional development including obtaining the veteran's private medical records and service records, as well as scheduling a VA audiology examination if combat service is confirmed.

The veteran's appeal for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and post-traumatic stress disorder was denied. The RO assigned a 10 percent rating for bilateral hearing loss and a 30 percent rating for PTSD, both effective February 19, 2002.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus was denied as the law does not allow an effective date earlier than June 26, 2003 when his informal claim was received.

The veteran's appeal for a compensable evaluation for service-connected bilateral hearing loss has been dismissed due to the death of the veteran during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for reopening service connection for low back strain and hearing loss with tinnitus, and has not yet decided his claim for cervical spine disorder. The case is remanded to obtain VA treatment records and to issue a Statement of the Case on the neck disorder.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hemorrhoids and residuals of a left knee fracture. The claim for bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between current disabilities and service.

The veteran is seeking compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for left ear hearing loss, which he claims was caused by a VA medical procedure in 2001 and 2002. The case has been remanded to obtain additional records and conduct further examination.