Hearing loss decisions — 2005

The veteran's PTSD is granted and rated at 70 percent since May 7, 1998. Bilateral hearing loss is not service-connected.

The veteran's bilateral hearing loss was rated at 40 percent prior to February 26, 2002 and increased to 50 percent from February 26, 2002 to July 1, 2003. The rating for bilateral hearing loss is now 90 percent on and after July 1, 2003.,The veteran's gunshot wound residuals of the right thigh were rated at 30 percent prior to July 24, 2001 and increased to 40 percent on and after July 24, 2001.

The Board has ordered the RO to obtain medical records from Dr. Francisco B. Asuncion, Jr., and re-adjudicate all issues on appeal.

The veteran's service-connected cervical spine disability with traumatic arthritis has been granted a higher initial rating of 20 percent, effective from June 22, 2004. The right ear hearing loss and the fracture of the right fibula were not found to be related to service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are denied as there is no competent evidence of a relationship between these conditions and his military service.

The veteran's claim for service connection is being remanded due to the destruction of his service medical records and the need to obtain additional evidence, including physical examinations from civilian employment and morning reports from military training.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional examinations and development of records.

The veteran's claims for an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss and service connection for tinnitus were denied. The RO awarded service connection for bilateral hearing loss with a 10 percent rating effective March 2002, but did not grant the requested higher initial rating or establish service connection for tinnitus.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have current medical diagnoses of bilateral hearing loss or tinnitus associated with his military service. Therefore, he is denied entitlement to service connection for these conditions.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss, currently evaluated as 10 percent disabling, has been denied by the VA Regional Office.

The Board found that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is not related to service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board found that the veteran's current hearing loss and tinnitus did not have its onset in service or within one year of separation, and thus denied service connection for these conditions.

The Board found that the veteran does not have residuals of a back injury incurred in service and denied his claim.

The veteran's appeal for an increased rating for residuals of a shell fragment wound of the chin has been withdrawn. The claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss disability is denied.

The veteran's hypertension and bilateral hearing loss were granted, but the tinnitus was also granted. The issues of service connection for a left foot disability are referred to the RO.

The veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for further development, including a VA examination.

The veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for further medical examination and development of the record.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are more likely than not caused by noise exposure during his military service, leading to a grant of service connection for both conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his military service, and thus denied both claims.

The Board found that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability and perforated tympanic membranes were not incurred or aggravated by service. The evidence did not establish a nexus between his service and these conditions.