Hearing loss decisions — 2007

The VA determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not warrant a higher rating as it is currently non-compensably disabling.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his military service, and thus denied both claims for service connection.

The veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were denied as there is no evidence of current disability or service connection. The claim for increased rating for PTSD remains pending due to the need for additional development.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to recent treatment records and a need to consider evidence submitted by the veteran.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for a compensable rating for his bilateral hearing loss prior to June 16, 2006 and an increased evaluation thereafter. The evidence did not support granting any of these claims.

The Board found that the veteran's current hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to service, including noise exposure during military service. The VA examiner concluded that the current conditions are more likely due to post-service occupational exposures and age-related changes.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for cluster headaches, bilateral hearing loss disability, and tinnitus were denied as there is no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to his service.

The veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is currently rated at zero percent, as his hearing acuity does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Board has reopened the previously denied claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. However, these issues must be remanded to obtain additional medical records and ensure compliance with VA's duty to assist.

The veteran's claim for an initial compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss was denied.,The effective date for the grant of service connection for bilateral hearing loss was not established earlier than June 27, 2003.,The effective date for the grant of service connection for tinnitus was not established earlier than June 27, 2002.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for initial compensable ratings for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss and a 10 percent evaluation based on multiple non-compensable disabilities, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher evaluations.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for left ear hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that a rating in excess of 10 percent is not warranted under applicable VA regulations.

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

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of bilateral hearing loss or a sleep disorder, and thus service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board found no evidence of left ear hearing loss and denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected bilateral pes planus, right shoulder disability, right shin splints, and left shin splints.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and residuals of a blunt trauma to the face, neck, and right shoulder are not related to his military service.

The veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been reopened, and the March 1987 decisions denying these claims are now considered final due to lack of a timely appeal. The Board has determined that there is sufficient evidence to establish service connection for both conditions.

The Board found that the veteran does not have tinnitus or hearing loss that is attributable to his military service. The VA examiner concluded that the veteran's current high frequency sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his period of active duty.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to service exposure to aircraft engine noise. The claim is granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not meet the criteria for a compensable disability evaluation, and thus denied the claim.