Hearing loss decisions — 2007

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss, currently rated at zero percent.

The veteran is seeking an earlier effective date for a 30% rating for bilateral hearing loss. The case is being remanded to obtain VA treatment records from the Seattle VA medical facility dated from 1986 to present, including any reports of audiometric testing.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for residuals of stapedectomy with vestibular impairment and vertigo, tinnitus, and right ear hearing loss have been denied. The RO found that the maximum rating available under applicable diagnostic codes is already assigned.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of bilateral hearing loss or skin cancer, and there is no evidence to support service connection for either condition. The claims are therefore denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is not related to his military service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the death of the appellant.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The VA has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not warrant a compensable rating, as his hearing acuity is rated at Level I in both ears.

The veteran's right ear hearing loss is related to his active service, and he is granted service connection for this condition. The claims for initial compensable evaluations for left ethmoid sinusitis and headaches are also granted.

The Board found that the veteran does not have current right ear hearing loss disability for VA purposes and denied his claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss due to lack of medical evidence linking it to service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's preexisting bilateral hearing loss was aggravated during his period of active military service, and thus service connection is granted. For post-traumatic stress disorder, the veteran's current disability level does not warrant an increased rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss, which first manifested many years after service, is not related to his military service and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not warrant a compensable rating under VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is related to in-service noise exposure and grants service connection for this condition.

The VA has determined that the veteran's right ear hearing loss does not warrant an initial compensable evaluation.

The Board has received a withdrawal of the appeal from the appellant prior to any decision being made.

The veteran withdrew his appeal for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus and a compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss.

The veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is manifested by average pure tone thresholds and speech discrimination scores translating to Level IV in the right ear and Level I in the left ear. The criteria for a compensable evaluation have not been met.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA). The claim will be returned to the Board after necessary actions are taken.