Hearing loss decisions — 2005

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for service-connected bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for additional audiometric testing and consideration of recent medical records.

The veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss was manifested in June 2003 by Level I hearing acuity in his left ear, and Level I in his right ear. The RO determined that a non-compensable disability evaluation is appropriate for this level of hearing loss.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded by the Board of Veterans' Appeals for additional development, including scheduling a videoconference hearing. The issues of service connection for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus remain on appeal.

The Board granted service connection for right ear hearing loss and a disability manifested by decreased libido and lethargy, presumed due to exposure to Agent Orange. The effective date of the 100% evaluation for PTSD was not addressed as it had already been granted in September 2004.

The VA denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral pes planus and left ear hearing loss, as his conditions did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The VA has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation under the applicable rating schedule.

The veteran's combined disability rating is 80 percent, including her service-connected cervical spine degenerative joint disease (30%), labyrinthitis (30%), and right ear hearing loss (10%). The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to these disabilities.

The Board finds that the veteran's right ear hearing loss and atrophic tympanic membrane are related to his military service, with reasonable doubt resolved in favor of the claimant.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss does not warrant a compensable evaluation prior to March 28, 2002 or in excess of 10 percent effective from that date.

The VA has determined that the veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss does not warrant a compensable evaluation at any point since September 2001.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the veteran's hearing loss and cold injury residuals. The claim for service connection will be reconsidered based on the additional development.

The veteran's right ear hearing loss is related to noise exposure during his military service and he has left ear hearing loss that was aggravated by service. Tinnitus in the left ear is proximately due to service-connected bilateral hearing loss.

The veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board dismissed the veteran's appeal for service connection of open angle glaucoma as he withdrew his appeal on this issue.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for a videoconference hearing and further development. The issues of service connection are not addressed as the appeal is in its initial stages.

The VA determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under the applicable disability evaluation schedule.

The veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been reopened. The claim for hypertension is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability or that it was caused by service-connected PTSD.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disorder and hearing loss, finding no evidence of in-service injury or disease that could be linked to the current conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is not entitled to a compensable initial rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss and TDIU, finding that the evidence did not support a higher evaluation or entitlement to TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.