Hearing loss decisions — 2006

The veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss was increased from 40 percent to 50 percent effective July 7, 2005.

The VA determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability, which has been service-connected since November 20, 2002, does not warrant a rating higher than 20 percent.

The veteran's service-connected hearing disabilities have rendered him unemployable under VA guidelines, and the Board has granted a TDIU based on this.

The veteran's claims for higher initial evaluations and increased ratings were granted, with a noncompensable evaluation initially assigned for bilateral hearing loss from October 29, 2001, and a 40 percent evaluation thereafter. The other claims remain pending.

The Board finds that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are due to acoustic trauma during service, and grants service connection for these conditions.

The Board found no evidence of hearing loss or tinnitus in service, and the medical evidence did not support a link between current conditions and active service. The acquired psychiatric disorder was also not linked to service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss warrants a noncompensable rating, effective from January 30, 2004. The veteran is not entitled to an earlier effective date for his service connection or increased rating.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and did not address the issue of reopening a claim for left knee disability due to lack of evidence. The veteran is seeking to reopen his previously denied claim for left knee disability.

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

The Board found that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss did not warrant a compensable evaluation, as his hearing acuity was within normal limits with no significant impairment in employment.

The veteran's claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss prior to November 24, 2004 was denied. The RO increased the rating for the hearing loss to 20 percent effective from November 24, 2004.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for migraine headaches, hearing loss, and low back disability. The veteran is currently rated at 10 percent for each of these conditions.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting examinations.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss is due to exposure to acoustic trauma during active service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are due to noise exposure during his period of service, and thus grants service connection for these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and a compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the veteran's conditions are related to his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for Crohn's disease and bilateral hearing loss disability due to lack of new and material evidence, and because there was no current diagnosis or manifestation of these conditions during his military service.

The Board has determined that there is no credible evidence to support the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and arthritis of the knees, back, and left elbow. The preponderance of the evidence does not show these conditions were incurred or aggravated during active military service.

The Board has determined that the appellant's current left ear hearing loss is not related to his time in service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there is no evidence of a claim prior to October 23, 2002.