Hearing loss decisions — 2005

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not warrant an initial compensable disability rating since May 23, 2001.

The Board denied the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, generalized arthritis, and increased rating for traumatic arthritis of the left fifth finger. The decision also noted that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen a previously denied claim for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board denied service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the veteran's current conditions were not incurred or aggravated by his military service.

The veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is currently manifested by a Level I hearing acuity in each ear, and the criteria for a compensable rating are not met.

The Board found new and material evidence to reopen the claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, but did not reach a decision on whether it should be granted or denied as the veteran's request was still pending.

The Board found that the veteran's hearing loss in his left ear was not incurred or aggravated by service, and denied the claim for service connection.

The Board found no evidence linking the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss to his service, including exposure to noise. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Board found no evidence of a disability manifested by right knee pain or hearing loss during service, and the veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service. As such, the claims for service connection were denied.

The veteran's right ear hearing loss was incurred in service and he is granted service connection for this condition. The issues of left ear hearing loss and tinnitus are remanded.

The veteran's claim for hearing loss service connection is being remanded due to incomplete records and the need for a new examination.

The Board found that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are likely attributable to acoustic trauma sustained during combat service in Korea, leading to a grant of service connection for both conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss does not warrant a compensable evaluation, as his hearing acuity levels do not meet the criteria for any higher rating under the applicable VA rating schedule.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hearing loss is reasonably shown to have had its origins during his period of active service, and thus grants service connection for hearing loss.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his request for a hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals. The issues of entitlement to service connection for left knee disability, right foot disability, and hearing loss disability remain under review.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus did not manifest during service or within one year thereafter, and there is no medical evidence linking these conditions to service. Therefore, service connection for both conditions is denied.

The veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss was granted, and he is now rated at 40 percent.

The Board has remanded the cases for further action, including scheduling a Travel Board hearing.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss was denied, and the effective date of his tinnitus service connection was set at November 10, 1954.

The veteran is entitled to special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, which have resulted in a need for personal assistance from others.