Hearing loss decisions — 2006

The veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied, and his initial compensable rating for history of cardiomegaly with labile hypertension was also denied. The Board found no evidence linking the current conditions to military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to interrelated claims and incomplete evidence. The claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death is deferred, while other accrued benefits claims are reviewed based on evidence available at the time of his death.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current hearing loss disability or tinnitus, and therefore service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current sleep apnea, GERD and IBS are not related to service on a direct or secondary basis. Therefore, his claims for these conditions have been denied.

The veteran's initial claim for a compensable evaluation of bilateral hearing loss was denied, and his attempt to reopen the previously denied left eye disability claim was also denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his bilateral hearing loss, currently evaluated as noncompensably disabling.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for residuals of a head injury with headaches and memory loss, left ear hearing loss, and residuals of a left ankle fracture. The rating for residuals of a head injury was found to be appropriate at 10 percent, effective from November 15, 1994. The rating for left ear hearing loss remains noncompensable. For the period beginning July 26, 2000, the veteran's service-connected left ankle disability is rated as 20 percent disabling.

The veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus did not cause or contribute to his death. The Board denied the claim for accrued benefits as there was no pending claim at the time of the veteran's death.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss and service connection for a bilateral knee disability, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability or causation to active duty.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is related to his exposure to acoustic trauma during service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability, finding that a nexus to service has been established and that the current hearing loss disability is due to an inservice disease or injury.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred in or aggravated by service, as there is no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his military service. The Board also found that there was insufficient medical evidence to establish current disabilities for which service connection could be granted.

The Board denied service connection for left ear hearing loss and right ear hearing loss, as well as an increased evaluation of the veteran's lumbar spine disability. The decision also noted that the veteran had failed to submit new and material evidence to reopen his claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has granted a 10 percent evaluation for the veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss, effective from March 17, 1998. The veteran was not granted an increased rating or special monthly compensation.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and impotence, finding no evidence of current disabilities or a link to active service.

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

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for further examination and medical opinion regarding his claimed hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss was incurred in service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his military service.