Hearing loss decisions — 2006

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred or aggravated by his active service, nor are they related to any period of service. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions began during service or within one year thereafter.

The Board found no evidence of in-service noise exposure or a current bilateral hearing loss disability related to service. The veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is attributed to occupational and age-related factors.

The VA has remanded the case due to inadequate VCAA notice and needs to provide proper notification before making a decision on the initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hearing loss does not warrant a compensable rating, as his hearing impairment is currently rated at noncompensable.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is found to be due to noise exposure during his period of active service, warranting service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his military service, as there is no evidence of hearing loss during service or within the presumptive period following discharge. The VA examiner concluded that the current hearing loss is not likely due to the veteran's military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to service exposure, resulting in a grant of service connection for both conditions.

The Board found that the veteran's hearing loss and neck disorder are not related to his military service, as there is no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and events during active duty. The Court ordered remand due to conflicting medical opinions.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him permanently bedridden or housebound, thus denying his claim for special monthly compensation.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluation of hemorrhoids, service connection for PTSD, low back disorder, left wrist disorder, defective hearing, athlete's foot, urinary problems, and need for Aid and Attendance were all denied. The claim to reopen service connection for a dental condition was also denied.

The veteran's claim for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss was denied. The initial rating of 40 percent prior to April 5, 2005, and the current rating of 70 percent effective April 5, 2005, were both found not to be warranted.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for hearing loss as there is no current diagnosis of a hearing loss disability.

The Board found that the veteran's claimed conditions of bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and perforated eardrum were not incurred or aggravated by service. The VA audiological examinations did not show any current disabilities related to these claims.

The Board denied service connection for right ear hearing loss and nasal septoplasty residuals, finding no evidence of a current disability or that any in-service injury was aggravated by service.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including VA examinations and proper VCAA notice.

The veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred or aggravated by service, as there is no evidence of these conditions during his military service. The VA examiner concluded that the current hearing loss and tinnitus are more likely due to genetic and environmental factors post-service.

The Board found that the reductions in disability evaluations for colon cancer, liver cancer, and bilateral hearing loss were proper based on medical evidence showing sustained material improvement.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus do not warrant an increased rating beyond the current 10% evaluation.

The veteran has withdrawn his appeals for hearing loss, tinnitus, and hepatitis C.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is currently evaluated at 30 percent and a higher rating is not warranted.