Hearing loss decisions — 2006

The veteran's claim for an increased initial evaluation for conjunctivitis was denied. The RO found that the evidence did not support a higher rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including PTSD, hearing loss of the left ear, major depressive disorder with alcohol abuse in remission, bilateral tarsometatarsal degenerative arthrosis, left acromioclavicular joint degenerative changes (osteoarthritis), status post non-displaced tibial plateau fracture of the left knee, and arthritic changes of the cervical spine.

The veteran's initial claim for an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied, and the RO granted service connection for a stomach condition but did not assign any effective date. The veteran continues to disagree with the assigned rating.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining relevant medical records and conducting a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed psychiatric, hearing loss, and tinnitus disabilities.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation prior to March 22, 2005 and does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent effective from March 22, 2005 for his bilateral hearing loss.

The Board found no evidence of a hearing loss within one year after service and the VA audiologist's opinion was based on objective testing, leading to denial of the claim.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for service connection for left knee, cervical spine, low back, and left shoulder disabilities as secondary to a service-connected disability. However, the evidence does not support a finding of current diagnoses or a link between these conditions and active service or a service-connected condition.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and bilateral tinnitus were denied as there is no legal basis to assign a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right ear hearing loss and degenerative disc disease of the spine are not related to his military service.

The veteran's request for a compensable rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for a Travel Board hearing.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance.

The veteran's claim for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss was denied. Prior to September 24, 2005, the disability rating remained at 20 percent; after that date, it was increased to 80 percent.

The VA denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the evidence did not support a higher evaluation.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent, as his hearing acuity is evaluated at its worst level (level V) and he does not have exceptional or unusual disability picture.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between his current conditions and his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran is not entitled to a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, sinusitis, or onychomycosis. The claim for service connection for organic heart disease with myocardial infarction and gout was denied as there is no competent evidence of current disabilities related to service. Service connection for a mental disorder was also denied due to lack of competent evidence.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for right ear hearing loss and tinnitus as new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the previously denied claims.

The veteran's appeal regarding separate 10% disability ratings for tinnitus and a rating in excess of 20% for bilateral hearing loss was denied. The maximum schedular rating available for tinnitus is already assigned.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, but the issue of service connection for prostate cancer due to exposure to ionizing radiation is being remanded.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected hearing loss and tinnitus disability picture more nearly approximates one of being unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, consistent with his educational background and previous work experience as an electrician. As such, the claim for TDIU is granted.