Hearing loss decisions — 2006

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected left ear hearing loss, as he currently has moderate-to-severe mixed hearing loss in that ear.

The veteran's claim for service connection for a back disorder, PTSD, tinnitus, and hearing loss was denied. The VA examiner found no current hearing loss disability as defined by VA regulation, thus denying the claim for bilateral hearing loss.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge (VLJ) at the RO.

The VA has determined that the veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss and bilateral plantar fasciitis do not warrant initial compensable or increased ratings, respectively.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a current audiological examination to assess the severity of his right ear hearing loss.

The March 1956 rating decision incorrectly denied service connection for the veteran's bilateral hearing loss, which was a consequence of his head injury in service. The Board found that there was clear and unmistakable error (CUE) in this decision.

The veteran's appeal for increased ratings for otitis externa, bilateral hearing loss, and adjustment disorder was granted. The rating for otitis externa remains noncompensable. The rating for bilateral hearing loss was increased to 20 percent effective December 17, 2004. The rating for the service-connected adjustment disorder is now 50 percent.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims due to incomplete records and for further development, including VA examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for a recurring skin rash in the groin area, finding that it began during active service. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss was not established.

The veteran's vocational rehabilitation benefits were interrupted due to lack of adequate pursuit of his program goals. The Board has ordered the case back to the RO for further development and consideration.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and a psychiatric disorder. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to military service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss. However, the preponderance of the evidence is against a finding that the veteran's hearing loss is related to his military service or any incident of military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an effective date prior to November 20, 2002 for the grant of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that no earlier claims were filed and that the earliest effective date was November 20, 2002.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities of bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus are rated at 70 percent combined, but the evidence does not show that they alone preclude him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment. Therefore, TDIU is denied.

The Board found no evidence linking the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus to his service, thus denying these claims.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred in or aggravated by his active service. The evidence does not support a finding of continuity of symptoms after discharge, nor is there any medical nexus linking these conditions to service.

The veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded to the RO due to a request for a videoconference hearing.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that no higher rating is warranted based on the evidence.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have current disabilities involving boils or furuncles, other than scarring from service-connected boils. The veteran's claimed bilateral hearing loss and otitis media and externa are also denied.

The VA has determined that the veteran does not have a service-connected hearing loss disability and tinnitus. The claims for left hip, thigh, ankle, and shoulder disorders are also denied.