Hearing loss decisions — 2006

The Board has determined that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is at least as likely as not related to his military service, specifically his work as an infantry rifleman where he likely experienced significant noise exposure. As a result, the claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current hearing loss is secondary to his service-connected pulmonary tuberculosis, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the veteran's request for an increased rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss and also denied reopening of his claim for service connection for a heart murmur.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current hearing loss disability and tinnitus, and there is no evidence linking these conditions to her military service. Therefore, she is denied entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The veteran's claims for an initial compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss and a higher rating for tinnitus were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support increased ratings under applicable VA regulations.

The Board has remanded the case for further action, including scheduling a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge.

The veteran's hearing loss disability is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The VA determined that the appellant's service-connected bilateral hearing loss warrants a 20 percent disability rating, effective from October 6, 2003.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for chronic allergic rhinitis, prostate cancer, restless leg syndrome, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus as there is no evidence of a relationship between these conditions and his active service or any incident therein.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to obtain missing service records and medical records.

The veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and bilateral hearing loss were granted. The right foot injury residuals and DDD of the lumbar spine are rated at their maximum allowable levels.

The Board denied the veteran's application to reopen his claim for service connection for hearing loss, finding that no new and material evidence had been received.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding no evidence of in-service disability or a relationship to service.

The Board has determined that the appellant's left ear hearing loss was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service and denied the claim.

The Board found that the veteran's current hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his military service, including combat noise trauma.

The veteran's service connection for coronary artery disease was granted, and his increased evaluation for bilateral hearing loss prior to May 26, 2003 was denied. His current rating of 10 percent for bilateral hearing loss from May 26, 2003 onwards is upheld.

The Board found that the veteran's hearing loss did not begin or worsen during service and is not related to any in-service noise exposure. As a result, service connection for hearing loss was denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service, specifically exposure to acoustic trauma during his time in Vietnam. As a result, the claims for service connection have been granted.

The veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for service-connected bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for additional development and VCAA notice.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his service records and a VA examination to determine the etiology of his hearing disabilities.