Hearing loss decisions — 2007

The Board has remanded the case due to the unavailability of service medical records and the need for a VA examination to determine if current hearing loss and tinnitus are related to in-service noise exposure.

The VA determined that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss was not incurred or aggravated by his military service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board found no medical evidence linking the veteran's current hearing loss and tinnitus to his military service, particularly given the significant passage of time between discharge from active duty and the onset of these conditions. The claims for service connection were therefore denied.

The veteran has withdrawn his appeal on all issues except the increased evaluation for a scar of the left shoulder.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not warrant an initial compensable evaluation, as it is currently rated at level I under Diagnostic Code 6100.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for asbestosis, low back disability, prostate disability, residuals of burn scars on the back and left arm, status post fracture of distal phalanx of the left great toe, and a compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss and tinea pedis. The issues of increased ratings for hypertension and service connection for residuals of a left ankle injury are remanded.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a ruptured right ear drum and for a compensable rating for hearing loss in his right ear, finding that there is no evidence of a current disability other than hearing loss.

The veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death. The claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and anxiety disorder have not been decided.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension by reason of need for regular aid and attendance was denied as he does not meet the criteria for such benefits based on his inability to perform daily activities without assistance.

The Board has remanded the case due to inconsistencies in audiometric examinations and findings, requiring a VA audiological examination.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and found that the veteran's degenerative arthritis of both knees warrants an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent. The effective date is not assigned as these claims are being denied.

The VA determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Board has denied service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder, left ear hearing loss, and a chronic left knee disability due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to the veteran's military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss and PTSD, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the hearing loss claim and concluding that there was no credible supporting evidence of a noncombat stressor for PTSD.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus, finding no competent objective evidence demonstrating these conditions at any time during or subsequent to service.

The VA denied a claim for an increased evaluation for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the veteran's current hearing loss is manifested by Level I hearing in both ears and does not warrant a higher rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for a heart condition and bilateral hearing loss, finding no evidence to support these conditions as incurred in or aggravated by service.

The veteran's service-connected bilateral high frequency sensorineural hearing loss is being remanded for further evaluation due to the significant amount of time that has elapsed since his last reported findings and the apparent worsening of his condition.

The Board found that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss did not meet the criteria for service connection as it was not present during active duty, and there is no evidence of in-service noise exposure or a diagnosis within one year post-discharge. The claim was denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of hypertension or bilateral hearing loss, and therefore service connection for these conditions is denied.