Hearing loss decisions — 2007

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including right ear hearing loss disability and bilateral hip disorder. The decision also addressed a compensable rating for right ear hearing loss.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a back injury, an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, and increased ratings for deformed duodenal cap (claimed as stomach ulcer) and allergic rhinitis with reactive airway disease.

The veteran's left ear hearing loss was not found to be service-connected. The right ear hearing loss is rated as Level II (62 dB HL) but does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance of another person or by reason of being housebound is remanded due to a lack of an examination, inadequate VCAA notice, and other procedural issues.

The veteran's initial ratings for his low back and right knee disabilities were denied, with the Board finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating than what was initially granted.

The Board found that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is not related to her service and denied her claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss is causally related to his military service, specifically his time as a helicopter mechanic. As such, the appeal for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is granted.

The Board found that the veteran's current hearing loss disability is not attributable to his military service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board found that the veteran's current hearing loss and tinnitus are not causally related to his active service, and thus denied both claims.

The Board is remanding the case for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and any relevant medical records.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for left sided saliva gland removal residuals, vertigo, and hearing loss. The evidence did not support a finding of current disability or a link to service.

The veteran's TDIU claim was denied as the evidence did not show he became unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities during the year prior to filing his claim.

The Board denied an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the criteria were not met for a rating in excess of 30 percent prior to May 2, 2003, and for ratings in excess of 20 percent from November 4, 2003, to September 13, 2006, or 50 percent beginning September 14, 2006. The effective date for the 50 percent rating was set at September 14, 2006.

The Board found no evidence linking the veteran's current hearing loss, tinnitus, or degenerative joint disease of the spine to his military service. The claims were denied.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a current hearing loss disability for VA purposes, and the preponderance of the evidence does not support service connection for tinnitus or headache. The appellant's claims are denied.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA audiology examination and an appropriate VA examination to determine the nature of his numbness of the feet and toes. The claims will be readjudicated after these actions.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have current left ear hearing loss disability for VA compensation purposes and thus, service connection is denied. The right ear hearing loss disability was also found to be unrelated to service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and scheduling a VA audiological examination to determine the etiology of the veteran's hearing loss, tinnitus, and PTSD.

The Board found that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred in or aggravated by his active service. The evidence did not establish a nexus between military service and these conditions.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, bilateral eye disability, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and coronary artery disease as there was no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and service.