Hearing loss decisions — 2005

The case is being remanded for additional development of the medical evidence, including obtaining service medical records and scheduling VA examinations to determine if the veteran's claimed disabilities are related to his military service.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from obtaining substantially gainful employment.

The veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as his claim for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound, were all denied. The VA found that the evidence did not support a compensable rating for hearing loss or separate 10 percent ratings for tinnitus in each ear.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss and respiratory residuals from asbestos exposure, but denied these claims. The ankle disorder claim was also denied.

The Board finds that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss is likely due to noise exposure experienced in connection with his military service, and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have hearing loss or other ear disability, and therefore service connection for hearing loss is denied.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for his bilateral hearing loss is being remanded to the RO for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling an audiological evaluation.

The veteran's claim for a compensable rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to procedural issues and the need for further development, including another VA audiological examination.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a right shoulder condition.,There is no evidence showing that any of these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and residuals of a pilonidal cystectomy due to lack of current disability evidence.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that there is no evidence of a nexus between his current hearing loss and his military service.

The veteran's claims for higher initial evaluations for various service-connected conditions were granted, with the exception of his claim for a higher evaluation for tinnitus. The effective date is not specified.

The Board found that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus disabilities were not incurred or aggravated by service, and denied both claims.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, and an eye condition (including diminished vision) due to a lack of evidence showing these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by his military service.

The veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have rendered him unable to work, meeting the criteria for a TDIU.

The veteran's service connection claims for hearing loss and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome were denied in October 1997, and the claim for initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus was granted with a 20 percent rating effective from August 27, 1997. The claim for an increased evaluation to 40 percent for diabetes mellitus is also denied.,The veteran's service connection claims for hearing loss and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome were not reopened as the submitted evidence was not new and material.

The veteran's initial claim for a noncompensable rating for right ear hearing loss was granted, with the effective date being October 30, 2002.

The Board found no evidence of a current disability associated with scarring of the eardrums, hearing loss, or tinnitus as a result of service. The veteran's claims for these conditions were denied.

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

The Board has determined that the veteran's tinnitus is due to inservice acoustic trauma and grants service connection for this condition.