Hearing loss decisions — 2006

The veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred or aggravated by service, and the Board denied both claims.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for left ear hearing loss and granted it, finding that the evidence is in relative equipoise regarding whether his hearing loss began during service or as a consequence of service.

The Board has granted the veteran's service connection for bilateral hearing loss, but denied a compensable rating. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and possibly another VA examination.

The Board denied an increased rating for the veteran's bilateral hearing loss, finding that his hearing loss did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Board denied service connection for right ear hearing loss but granted service connection for tinnitus. The veteran had preexisting right ear hearing loss, which was not aggravated by his military service.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 10 percent rating for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for further development of his medical records and consideration of his request for a Board hearing.

The Board denied a higher evaluation for the veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss, finding that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 40 percent.

The veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is related to acoustic trauma during his military service and the Board finds that this condition was incurred therein.

The Board has granted the veteran's claims of service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there is a reasonable doubt in favor of the veteran.

The Board found no evidence to support service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, or left eye scarring. The veteran's tinea pedis and onychomycosis of both feet were rated as noncompensable since August 2001.

The Board has ordered a remand due to the need for an examination regarding whether the veteran's service-connected tinnitus caused or aggravated his hearing loss.

The Board found that the veteran's skin cancer, hearing loss, and tinnitus were not related to his military service. The claims for these conditions have been denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current disability of low back or bilateral hearing loss as defined by VA standards. The service connection claims for these conditions are denied.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection for various conditions, finding that the evidence does not support a higher rating or service connection based on the current medical findings.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability and found that the veteran's current low back condition is likely attributable to his period of active military service. The claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss remains pending as further development is needed.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 20 percent for bilateral hearing loss, effective March 1, 2004.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss as there is no current medical evidence of a diagnosed disability.

The veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss was evaluated at 20 percent during the period from January 27, 2003 to October 31, 2005. This evaluation is appropriate based on his audiometric findings of Level IV in the right ear and Level VI in the left ear.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding no evidence linking these conditions to the veteran's military service. The claim for increased rating of dermatophytosis of the hands and feet is pending.

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