Hearing loss decisions — 2005

The Board has determined that the veteran's current left ear hearing loss, tinnitus, and pain are residuals of a left ear injury sustained during service. The evidence is in equipoise as to whether these conditions are related to the in-service injury.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current hearing loss and otitis media were incurred during service, granting his claim for service connection.

The VA has increased the disability evaluation for bilateral hearing loss to 60 percent, effective September 21, 2001. The veteran's current hearing acuity is at its worst level of Level VIII in the right ear and Level X in the left ear.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has determined that the veteran's hearing loss is not related to his military service and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and an initial compensable evaluation for his residual scar of the right hand were not addressed due to procedural issues. The claim for a rating greater than 20 percent for healed fractures of the second and third digits of the right hand was denied, while he received a noncompensable rating for his service-connected residuals.

The veteran's hearing loss disability is manifested by level II hearing loss in one ear and level I hearing loss in the other ear, resulting in a noncompensable evaluation. The Board has determined that the criteria for a compensable rating have not been met.

The VA determined that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss was not incurred in or aggravated by his military service, and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claims of service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus. The evidence now shows a current diagnosis of bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, which is consistent with noise exposure during military service.

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

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a more contemporaneous VA audiological evaluation, as his hearing loss has been observed to be worsening over time.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for left ear hearing loss, a compensable rating for right ear hearing loss from November 19, 1999 to January 16, 2003, and a rating in excess of 10 percent for right ear hearing loss from January 17, 2003. The claims are being remanded due to the need for additional development including VA examinations.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound prior to August 30, 2002.

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

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and headaches. The appeals were decided on the basis of direct service connection without any presumption or secondary to a service-connected disability.

The VA has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not warrant a compensable evaluation, as his hearing impairment is currently rated at Level I in both ears.

The veteran's claims for service connection for arthritis of the back, knees, and shoulders, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus were denied as there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, and residuals of a concussion. The effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD is set at November 29, 1999.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have current bilateral hearing loss disability, and her service-connected patellofemoral syndrome of the left knee is manifested by tenderness on palpation without functional limitation. The initial evaluations for tinea versicolor, polynephritis, and tinnitus are denied as well.

The veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus are being remanded due to the need for further examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left ear hearing loss disability does not warrant a compensable evaluation, as it is currently manifested by Level II hearing in the left ear.