Hearing loss decisions — 2007

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding it likely related to the veteran's military service. The hearing loss claim was denied as the audiometric testing did not meet VA criteria for disability.

The Board denied service connection for neurodermatitis of the abdomen and groin, bilateral hearing loss, and syncope. The claim for reopening the neurodermatitis claim was denied as new evidence did not establish a relationship between current symptoms and service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for left ear hearing loss as new and material evidence was not presented.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a right ankle disability, left epididymitis, or right ear hearing loss as a result of service. The claim for anal cryptitis is denied because it was noted during service but not found in the separation examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for an initial compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss, service connection for glaucoma, open angle, bilateral, and service connection for peripheral neuropathy are all denied. The veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated as noncompensable under VA regulations. Service connection for glaucoma, open angle, bilateral was not established due to lack of a current diagnosis or causal relationship to the service-connected diabetes mellitus. Service connection for peripheral neuropathy was also not established because there is no competent evidence demonstrating its secondary nature to the service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an initial evaluation in excess of 0 percent for bilateral hearing loss, service connection for Hepatitis C with chronic liver disease, and major depressive disorder. The decision found no evidence linking the current diagnoses to service.

The Board found that the veteran's hearing loss was not incurred in or aggravated by active service, as there is no evidence of a current disability and the VA examiner concluded it was not likely related to noise exposure during service.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the eligibility criteria for financial assistance in acquiring an automobile or other conveyance, nor specially adapted housing or a home adaptation grant.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to potential new evidence, but no specific details on rating assigned or effective date are provided.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his military service, including exposure to hazardous noise. As a result, the claims for service connection have been denied.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and an initial noncompensable evaluation for hearing loss. The veteran's hearing loss does not warrant a compensable rating based on the evidence of record.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed chronic bilateral hearing loss disability and chronic tinnitus were not incurred or aggravated during active service, and thus denied both claims.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied as his disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for a new VA audiological examination.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for right shoulder strain, DJD of the knees, and hearing loss have been granted. The claim to reopen his left shoulder strain was denied due to lack of new and material evidence.

The veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for compliance with VA's duty to notify, particularly regarding the reopening of previously denied claims.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete review of medical records and need for further investigation by medical professionals.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred or aggravated by his military service, as there is no evidence of in-service injury or disease. The pre-existing conditions did not worsen during service.

The Board has reopened the appellant's service connection claim for the cause of the veteran's death due to new and material evidence submitted since the December 2000 decision. However, the preponderance of the evidence does not support a finding that any service-connected disability caused or contributed substantially or materially to the cause of the veteran's death.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not warrant a compensable evaluation, as his Level II hearing in each ear corresponds to a noncompensable percent evaluation.