Hearing loss decisions — 2005

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection and increased compensation based on PTSD, finding that February 18, 2000 is the appropriate date. The appeal was not about service connection at all.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss due to new and material evidence. However, it is not established that his current hearing loss is related to military service.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including Meniere's syndrome and headaches, prevent him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a total rating based on individual unemployability due to these service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the veteran's exposure to noise during service is linked to his current findings of bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The appeal regarding a higher initial rating for PTSD remains pending.

The Board found that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus did not meet the criteria for service connection as they were not incurred or aggravated by active military service.

The veteran's bilateral hearing loss was evaluated as level I in both ears, resulting in a noncompensable rating. The Board denied an increased compensable rating for this condition.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the veteran does not have a current hearing loss disability for VA compensation purposes and that her tinnitus began several years after her discharge from active military duty and is not related to any incident of such service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss warrants a compensable initial evaluation of 10 percent from October 31, 2003. The appeal remains in contention for an increased rating prior to this date.

The VA denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis B and an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss. The VA found no current diagnosis of Hepatitis B, and there was insufficient evidence to support a compensable evaluation for his bilateral hearing loss.

The Board found that the veteran's left ear hearing loss disability does not warrant a compensable evaluation, and his tinnitus is not service-connected.

The veteran's metatarsalgia is currently rated at 10 percent, and his bilateral hearing loss claim for service connection has been denied.

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

The Board finds that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is related to his active service, and grants service connection for this condition.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional VA treatment records and provide proper VCAA notice.

The Board found that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and may not be presumed to have been so incurred.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration, including proper VCAA notice, jurisdictional changes, and a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge.

The Board has granted service connection for the veteran's bilateral tinnitus, finding that it is associated with his service-connected bilateral sensorineural hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current hearing loss disability for VA compensation purposes and therefore, service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Board denied all claims for service connection and increased ratings, finding no current disability related to service or new evidence.

The Board found that the veteran's PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and left hip (thigh) scar do not warrant higher disability ratings based on the evidence of record.