Hearing loss decisions — 2006

The VA has determined that the veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied increased evaluations for the veteran's chronic left ear otitis media residuals and bilateral hearing loss disability, finding that there was no evidence of active ear disease or significant hearing impairment.

The Board finds that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of a perforated right ear drum or hearing loss, and thus cannot establish service connection for these conditions. The claim of reopening the previously denied fungal infection of bilateral ears is also denied as new evidence did not show the presence of such an infection.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. However, additional development is required regarding the underlying service connection claims due to a lack of medical records from active service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA and private medical records, conducting a VA audiological examination, and providing VCAA notice.

The veteran's appeal involves multiple conditions, including erectile dysfunction, hearing loss, knee disabilities, cervical spine issues, blackouts and memory loss, and stomach problems. The Board has ordered additional medical examinations to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions, as well as whether service connection can be established for them.

The VA has denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating of 10 percent for his bilateral defective hearing, finding that the evidence does not support a higher evaluation.

The Board has determined that the appellant's bilateral hearing loss and allergies were not incurred or aggravated during service, nor are they related to any in-service noise exposure or medical history. As such, the claims for service connection for these conditions have been denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder, coronary artery disease, numbness of the hands and feet, blurred vision, and bilateral hearing loss. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by service.

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

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations for psoriatic arthritis of the right and left hands, as well as his claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss prior to November 14, 2005, are being remanded. His claim for an increased evaluation for bilateral hearing loss from November 14, 2005 forward is also being remanded.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for ALS, an initial compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss, and a rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus. The maximum schedular rating available for tinnitus was assigned.

The Board found no evidence of current bilateral hearing loss or tinnitus that is related to service, and the left shoulder disorder was not linked to service. The veteran's currently manifested conditions are attributed to his post-service employment.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the evidence does not support a higher rating under the applicable VA rating criteria.

The Board has determined that service connection is not warranted for chronic sinusitis, migraine headaches, left ear hearing loss, or a low back disorder.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further examination and development due to the need for clarification on the etiology of his tinnitus and assessment of his bilateral sensorineural hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the veteran's headaches and bilateral hearing loss are related to his service, with current evidence supporting this conclusion.

The Board found no evidence of a fungal ear infection or acoustic trauma during service, and concluded that the veteran's current sensorineural hearing loss is not related to his military service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling a VA examination. The case will be returned to the Board after these actions are completed.