Hearing loss decisions — 2007

The VA determined that the veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable, as he is capable of engaging in substantially gainful employment despite his hearing loss and tinnitus.

The VA granted a 40 percent evaluation for the veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss effective May 15, 2003. The veteran requested an earlier effective date.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and remanded it to the RO. The claims for tinnitus and right ear perforation are granted.

The veteran's claim for an increased disability evaluation for his bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The veteran's service-connected tinnitus is currently rated at the maximum allowable rating of 10 percent under Diagnostic Code 6260, and no higher initial ratings are warranted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss is as likely as not due to acoustic trauma during active service. The residuals of a fractured jaw are also found to be related to service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not warrant a compensable evaluation under the applicable VA rating criteria.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss, lumbosacral strain, and right ankle disability. The evidence did not support a higher rating under VA regulations.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims of service connection for hearing loss, peripheral neuropathy, eye disorder, and chronic skin fungus. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to military service or any herbicide exposure.

The veteran's left ear hearing loss is rated as noncompensable under the rating schedule, and thus his claim for a compensable rating is denied.

The veteran's bilateral sensorineural hearing loss is found to be caused by noise exposure during service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

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

The veteran's hearing loss disability is rated at 30 percent, and the right wrist disability warrants a 30 percent rating. The Board has determined that these ratings are appropriate based on the evidence of record.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for verification of stressors related to PTSD and additional development of private treatment records.

The veteran's hearing loss has been rated at 20 percent since October 26, 2004. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for any period prior to this date.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and the need for further examination.

The Board has granted service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the veteran's current conditions are at least as likely as not related to his military noise exposure.

The veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss has been rated as Level II, resulting in a noncompensable disability evaluation. The Board finds that the evidence does not support an increased rating.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional service medical records, determine if he was a combat veteran for purposes of 38 U.S.C.A. § 1154(b), and schedule the veteran for VA examinations to assess his claimed disabilities.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to independently perform daily functions of self-care and to protect himself from the hazards and dangers incident to his daily environment, warranting special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance.