Hearing loss decisions — 2007

The veteran's claims for higher ratings and service connection are being remanded due to procedural issues.,An effective date earlier than May 16, 2000, is also being considered.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, otitis media, allergies (sinusitis/rhinitis), shortening of the right leg, lower back pain, and arthritis of the right knee and hip. The appeals have been dismissed due to withdrawal by the veteran.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is related to noise exposure during his military service, and tinnitus was not incurred in or aggravated by service. The claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability.

The VA determined that the veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss does not warrant an initial compensable disability rating based on his audiometric test results.

The veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding his service-connected disabilities and their impact on his ability to work.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee disorder and bilateral hearing loss. As such, these claims are denied.

The veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, bilateral tinnitus, a back disability, and PTSD have been denied. The Board found no evidence of current disabilities or a nexus to service.

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

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that new and material evidence was not submitted to reopen the claim for hearing loss and that there is no medical evidence linking current tinnitus to service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hearing loss and bunions of the right foot are not service-connected, as there is no evidence of in-service injury or disease. The nervous condition (presumed to be a personality disorder) was also not found to be service-connected.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and bilateral knee condition, finding no evidence of a causal connection to military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected disabilities contributed substantially or materially to cause his death, and therefore grants service connection for the cause of the veteran's death.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a VA examination regarding his claims of service connection for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The case will be reviewed again after this information is obtained.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected bilateral sensorineural hearing loss does not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating under the applicable VA rating schedule.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to service, granting these claims.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for left ear hearing loss and a psychiatric disorder, finding that there is no evidence of an in-service injury or disease related to these conditions.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there is no evidence of a current disability as defined by VA regulations.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there is no legal basis to award separate schedular evaluations for each ear of tinnitus. The maximum schedular rating available for tinnitus has been assigned.

The veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, and Meniere's disease were denied. The claim to reopen a previously denied psychiatric disability other than PTSD was also denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and an initial compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss, finding no evidence of a current disability or link to service.