Hearing loss decisions — 2007

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable, as they are not of such severity that he is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The VA has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated at 20 percent, effective from the date of initial grant of service connection. The evidence does not support a higher rating.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further examination to determine if his service-connected disabilities meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Board has ordered a remand due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing the veteran with an audiometric examination.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent disabling for body dysmorphic disorder, finding that there was no current diagnosis of hearing loss for VA purposes and that the veteran's symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The VA has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability does not warrant an increased rating since January 27, 1998. The current ratings of 0%, 10%, and 30% are consistent with the regulatory requirements.

The veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of measles, memory loss, respiratory disorder (claimed as secondary to tobacco use), bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and osteoporosis were all denied. The VA found no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for further development due to changes in rating criteria and the need for updated VA examinations.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for his bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to outstanding records and the need for further evaluation.

The veteran's appeal was denied as he does not have hearing loss that is related to his service.

The Board denied the veteran's application to reopen a claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, and due to the veteran's death, the Court dismissed his appeal.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the veteran's hearing loss and whether it is related to service, including presumed exposure to acoustic trauma during combat in World War II.

The Board has denied both claims for service connection, finding no evidence of a current disability related to the appellant's military service.

The veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected bilateral hearing loss is being remanded for further examination and consideration.

The veteran's appeal for service connection on the merits of his claims for hemorrhoids, arthritis of the right arm and right elbow, hearing loss, tinnitus, and hypertension has been dismissed due to withdrawal by the appellant.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral tinnitus, increased rating for hearing loss in his right ear, and a compensable disability evaluation for a scar from a left knee laceration. The claim to reopen for service connection for hearing loss in his left ear was also denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is related to acoustic trauma during his active duty service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and right tympanic membrane perforation were denied. The claim for increased evaluations of status post cholecystectomy and bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis is pending.

The veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral tinnitus was denied, and the claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to lack of recent audiological examination.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to his military service.