Hearing loss decisions — 2006

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss. The claim of entitlement to an initial compensable evaluation for left ear hearing loss is remanded, and the issue of entitlement to an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus remains pending.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus and vertigo are not the result of a disease or injury during service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for initial noncompensable disability ratings for bilateral hearing loss and bilateral otitis media, finding that the evidence did not warrant a higher evaluation.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for benign positional vertigo, an increased evaluation for post-traumatic stress disorder, and a compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss. The veteran's symptoms of dizziness were attributed to benign positional vertigo, which was not shown to be related to his military service. His PTSD was found to warrant a 50% rating, but the hearing loss did not meet the criteria for an increased rating.

The Board has granted a separate 30 percent evaluation for the veteran's right (major) humeral compound fracture residuals with biceps muscle involvement and scar residuals under the provisions of 38 C.F.R. § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5202.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right ear hearing loss does not warrant an increased evaluation beyond the current noncompensable rating.

The veteran's appeal was denied for service connection of dermatitis due to exposure to Agent Orange. The RO also denied an increased rating for his gastrointestinal disorder and a compensable evaluation for his ear disability.

The veteran's claims of service connection for hearing loss disability, sinus disorder, and esophageal disorder have been denied by operation of law. The claim for increased rating for residuals of chest injury has also been denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have left ear hearing loss disability for VA purposes and therefore cannot be granted service connection. For right eye retinal detachment, a rating in excess of 20 percent is denied as there is no evidence meeting the criteria for a higher rating.

The veteran's request for a hearing before the Board has been considered, and he has requested another hearing. The case is being sent back to the RO for scheduling this new hearing.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings for various conditions, finding no current disability or evidence of in-service injury that would support these claims.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability and bilateral tinnitus are not related to his period of active service, and thus denied both claims for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus disabilities are not related to his military service, and thus denied both claims for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a depressive disorder or any other psychiatric condition due to service, and his tinnitus and hearing loss do not meet the criteria for an increased rating. The veteran's claim for total disability based on individual unemployability is also denied.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal of the appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability, chronic allergic rhinitis, arthritis of the left knee, and arthritis of the right knee with torn meniscus and popliteal cyst. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there was no evidence of in-service injury or disease resulting in current disabilities.

The veteran's claims for service connection for various forms of arthritis in his hands, arms, legs, and feet have been denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities. The hearing loss claim has also been denied.

The veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for diabetes mellitus, erectile dysfunction, and bilateral hearing loss were denied. Service connection was not granted for rhinitis, tinea pedis, or recurrent pneumonia.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss of the right ear and tinnitus, finding no new and material evidence to reopen the previously denied claims. The Board also determined that there was insufficient evidence to establish service connection for these conditions.