Hearing loss decisions — 2007

The veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and arranging for the veteran to undergo VA examination.

The veteran is seeking service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus, which he claims are related to his in-service noise exposure. The appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current disability for VA purposes related to hearing loss, tinnitus, low back disorder, or respiratory disorder. As such, service connection is denied.,There is no evidence linking any of these conditions to service.

The veteran's service connection claim for hearing loss is denied as there is no evidence of a diagnosed disability within one year post-service and the Board finds that his current hearing loss is not linked to military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear hearing loss and remanded the issues of higher ratings for bilateral hearing loss to the RO for further development.

The Board found no evidence of in-service hearing loss or tinnitus, and concluded that the veteran's current conditions are more likely due to post-service occupational noise exposure. As a result, service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus was denied.

The veteran's service-connected bilateral tinnitus is currently rated at a maximum of 10 percent, which is the highest rating available under VA's Rating Schedule. The Board has determined that separate ratings for each ear are not warranted due to the interpretation of the regulations as of June 13, 2003.

The veteran's claims for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and service connection for a left knee disability are being remanded due to incomplete records and the need for further medical examinations.

The Board found that the veteran's right ear hearing loss did not occur during service and is not related to military noise exposure. The other issues were also denied.

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

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension and hearing loss disability, but denied service connection for acne/cyst condition (claimed as chloracne).

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, colon polyps and cancer, prostate cancer, skin cancer, and a seizure disorder. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by service or due to exposure to ionizing radiation.

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 noise exposure or chronic disability resulting from such exposure.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to obtain a more specific etiology opinion regarding the veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus, which are claimed as service-connected conditions.

The Board has granted the veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there is a reasonable doubt as to whether these conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss but denied service connection for tinnitus.

The Board denied the veteran's request for an effective date earlier than June 26, 2003 for service connection of bilateral hearing loss. The earliest possible effective date is the date the petition to reopen was received (June 26, 2003).

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his request for a Travel Board hearing.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and service connection for residuals of thrombophlebitis due to lack of evidence showing additional disabilities resulting from these conditions.