Hearing loss decisions — 2005

The VA determined that the veteran does not have hearing loss, tinnitus, hypertension, a skin disorder (presumed due to Agent Orange exposure), polyneuropathy (presumed due to Agent Orange exposure), or residuals of head injury as claimed. The decision was based on lack of evidence showing these conditions.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was not submitted to reopen the veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus. The RO previously denied these claims in September 1997, and no new or material evidence has been provided since then.

The VA determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not warrant a compensable rating.

The Board denied an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the veteran's current auditory acuity levels do not warrant a higher rating than the currently assigned 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current disability of bilateral hearing loss recognized as a VA disability, and there is no medical evidence linking any such disability to service. As a result, the claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The veteran's bilateral hearing loss is not service connected as it was not caused by disease or injury sustained in service.

The Board found that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability was not incurred in service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the reduction in the evaluation of the veteran's bilateral hearing loss from 30 percent to 20 percent was proper, and he is currently rated at 20 percent for this condition.

The case is being remanded for further examination and medical opinion regarding the veteran's ability to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities.

The veteran is granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, but denied service connection for tinnitus.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability, finding it to be related to noise exposure during service. The issue of service connection for bladder cancer remains pending as the appeal is not about this condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss in the right ear, left ear hearing loss, and bilateral loss of visual acuity. The decision also addressed other issues but did not reach a conclusion on those.

The veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, reflecting occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and interruptions in work performance due to self-imposed isolation.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to the appellant's request for a videoconference hearing.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss, finding no current diagnoses or evidence of continuity of symptomatology since service.

The veteran's nonservice-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need of regular aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is due to noise exposure during active duty, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The VA denied the appellant's claim for a total rating based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, as these conditions do not prevent him from engaging in substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD due to lack of credible supporting evidence of the claimed in-service stressors. The claim for hearing loss remains pending.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the earliest possible effective dates are those allowed by law.