Hearing loss decisions — 2006

The Board has determined that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is not related to his military service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The veteran's PTSD is rated at 10 percent, while his hearing loss remains noncompensable.

The Board found that the veteran's hearing loss was not incurred or aggravated in service and denied his claim.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, lung disease, and heart disease. The evidence did not establish a link between these conditions and his time in military service.

The veteran's claims for service connection were denied across the board due to lack of evidence linking any claimed conditions to his military service.

The veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at a private hospital on September 20 & 21, 2005 are denied as the treatment was not for an emergency and VA facilities were not feasibly available.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not warrant a compensable rating, and thus denied his claim for an increased initial (compensable) rating.

The Board has determined that there is no persuasive medical evidence linking the veteran's bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, or vertigo to his military service. Therefore, the claims for service connection are denied.

The Board has determined that the appellant's current bilateral hearing loss disability is related to his in-service noise exposure, and thus service connection for this condition is granted.

The veteran's claim for service connection for hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for further development, including obtaining employment records and scheduling a VA audiological examination.

The Board denied service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder, PTSD, and bilateral hearing loss disability.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are at least as likely as not attributable to noise exposure during service, including his combat experiences. As a result, both conditions have been granted service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran does suffer from a right ear hearing loss disability and that this condition is related to his active service. As such, the claim for service connection for right ear hearing loss is granted.

The veteran is seeking a higher rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss, which was initially rated at 10 percent. The RO has remanded the case to obtain additional evidence and determine the current severity of the disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete information and need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, an increased rating for bilateral tinnitus, and a claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The appeal is dismissed.

The Board finds that the veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his military service, as there is no evidence of such during service or within one year after separation. The veteran has a long history of noise exposure in civilian employment post-service.

The veteran's request for a hearing before the Board has been granted, and his case is being remanded to the RO for scheduling of the requested hearing at his local RO.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected conditions, particularly his Bell's palsy and otitis media, result in dizziness and gait instability requiring regular aid and attendance. As a result, SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance is granted.

The Board found that the veteran's disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension benefits based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person or at the housebound rate.