Hearing loss decisions — 2005

The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher ratings and earlier effective dates for his bilateral hearing loss, finding that the evidence did not support the requested increases or earlier effective dates.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, and bilateral knee disability.

The Board denied entitlement to service connection for left ear hearing loss and right knee disorder. The veteran did not timely file a Substantive Appeal regarding the denial of left ear hearing loss.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities have resulted in the need for regular aid and attendance, entitling him to special monthly compensation. He also meets criteria for automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment assistance.

The VA determined that the veteran's left ear hearing loss, which is already service-connected, does not warrant a compensable evaluation.

The veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are being remanded due to the need to obtain VA outpatient clinic records from Viera, Florida.

The Board finds that the veteran is not entitled to an effective date earlier than February 4, 2003 for the award of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The veteran's service-connected conditions do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, so his claim for TDIU is denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and ischemic optic neuropathy of the right eye were not incurred or aggravated by military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of pneumonia is granted. However, his claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability remains denied.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss. After considering all available evidence, including the veteran's statements and opinions from VA audiologists, the Board finds an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence on whether the current bilateral hearing loss is etiologically related to noise exposure during his active service. The doubt has been resolved in favor of the veteran, and he is granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for hypertension, bilateral hearing loss, and urethritis and prostatitis. The claim for prostate cancer was not granted as it is presumed that the condition may be related to service.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a bilateral hearing loss disorder for VA purposes and denied his claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The issue of tinnitus is remanded for further examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further examination and review of new evidence, including a private audiogram and letter from a private physician.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss disability and PTSD. The decision found that there was no current hearing loss disability, and the VA examination did not indicate a diagnosis of PTSD.

The veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The appeals are all based on reopening of previously denied claims, and the issues involve new evidence.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for compensable evaluations for bilateral hearing loss and hemorrhoids, finding that his conditions did not warrant such ratings based on the current evidence of record.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have PTSD and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied. The issues of bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus are addressed in a separate remand.

The veteran's hearing loss in his left ear is currently rated at 10 percent, effective June 12, 2002. He has a higher rating of 30 percent since January 14, 2005. The claim for an increased rating remains denied.

The veteran wishes to withdraw his appeal, resulting in the vacatur of the June 2005 Board decision.