Hearing loss decisions — 2006

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected bilateral pes planus and bilateral hearing loss, finding that neither condition warranted a higher evaluation under VA rating criteria.

The Board found that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus did not manifest during service or within one year thereafter, and there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service. As a result, the claims for service connection were denied.

The Board has determined that the appellant's bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus were not incurred or aggravated by service. The VA examiner found no connection between the appellant's current hearing loss and tinnitus and his time in service. As for PTSD, the appellant is currently receiving a 30 percent rating which is the maximum allowed under Diagnostic Code 9411.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine if the veteran's current hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service, including any in-service acoustic trauma.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for hypertension and bilateral hearing loss due to incomplete notification under the VCAA, requiring additional development.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration, including a VA examination to determine if the veteran's nasopharyngeal cancer is related to his military service, specifically Agent Orange exposure. The issues of left ear hearing loss and dry mouth, throat, and dysphagia as secondary to nasopharyngeal cancer are also inextricably intertwined with the claim for service connection for nasopharyngeal cancer.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for an initial, compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and service connection for tinnitus have been denied. The veteran's hearing loss was rated as noncompensable under VA regulations.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for his hearing loss disability in the left ear was denied. However, he received a compensable (10%) rating for his residuals of toxoplasmosis infection affecting both eyes.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current disability of bilateral hearing loss, and there is no evidence to support a nexus between his military service and this condition. As such, the claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The veteran's appeal involves multiple issues related to his service-connected conditions, including a rating for lumbosacral strain and hearing loss. The RO must review the additional evidence received since June 2003, consider the revised criteria for rating spine disorders and skin disorders, arrange for VA examinations to assess the current severity of these conditions, and readjudicate the claims.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before the case can be adjudicated, including obtaining medical records from a previous employer and providing notice of the VCAA requirements.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current disability for which service connection can be granted, specifically bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The dental injury claim is pending as additional evidence and examination are needed to determine if it was aggravated by service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected hearing loss in his right ear does not warrant a compensable evaluation, as it is rated at level I under VA rating criteria.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development and consideration, including compliance with VCAA requirements.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disorder and an increased rating for his left knee disorder. The veteran is not entitled to service connection for these conditions, as there is no evidence linking them to his active duty service. For the left knee disorder, the Board found that the current 10% evaluation adequately compensates him for his symptoms.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The claim will now be reviewed on its merits.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for hearing loss as her current auditory thresholds do not meet the criteria for a disability under VA regulations.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection of hearing loss due to new and material evidence, finding that his pre-existing ear problems were aggravated by service.

The Board found that the veteran's claimed conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, headaches, sinusitis, and respiratory disability, were not incurred or aggravated by service. The VA examiners concluded that these conditions are not related to his military noise exposure.