Hearing loss decisions — 2006

The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher ratings for post-traumatic headaches and left ear sensorineural hearing loss, finding that his service-connected disabilities did not meet the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 30 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus are not service-connected, as there is no evidence of a nexus between his current conditions and military service.

The veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and there were no pending claims for accrued benefits at the time of his death.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hearing loss in his left ear warrants a noncompensable evaluation, as it does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before the claims can be fully adjudicated, including obtaining service medical records and providing a VA examination to determine if the veteran's hearing loss and wrist condition are related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not due to disease or injury incurred in service, and thus denied both claims.

The Board denied a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and service connection for plantar warts. The veteran's bilateral hearing loss was found to be noncompensable, and his plantar warts were not considered incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board has ordered additional development due to incomplete examination and missing medical records. The case is remanded for further development, including obtaining SSA disability benefits records, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary hearing evaluation records, and a VA otolaryngology examination.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability and noting that the veteran did not have hearing loss during service or within one year after discharge. The Board also found that the veteran had not provided sufficient evidence to establish continuity of symptomatology.

The veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the submission of additional medical evidence that has not been considered yet.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including VA examinations to obtain etiology opinions regarding the veteran's claimed back, hip and hearing loss disabilities. The veteran was not provided with proper VCAA notice.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, right ear hearing loss, and tinnitus. Service connection was also granted for diabetes mellitus Type 2 as secondary to exposure to Agent Orange. The veteran's hypertension is not service connected.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the veteran's conditions are at least as likely as not related to his military service. The claims for back and neck disorders remain pending.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and a back disability. The claim to reopen for a psychiatric disorder is granted, but further development is needed as the evidence does not indicate that his current psychiatric condition is related to service.

The veteran's cervical spine and knee disabilities are granted with a 10% rating, while his left shoulder disability is service-connected. Right ear hearing loss is also found to be service-connected.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current diagnoses of bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service, specifically noise exposure during his time as a small arms technician in the Marine Corps. As such, the claims for service connection have been granted.

The veteran's claims for higher initial evaluations for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were denied as there is no legal basis to award the requested ratings.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service, with reasonable doubt resolved in favor of the claimant. The decision grants service connection for these conditions.

The veteran's claims for PTSD and bilateral hearing loss disability were decided, but the appeal regarding initial ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities and cranial nerve III palsy with facial numbness and ptosis and diplopia of the right eye was dismissed due to a lack of timely filing.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for additional VCAA notice.