Hearing loss decisions — 2007

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn before the Board could make a decision.

The veteran's claims for hypothyroidism, sensory axonal polyneuropathy of the lower extremities, bunions, plantars warts, migraine headaches, bilateral hearing loss, sleep apnea, shin splints, and left shoulder anthralgia were denied as there is no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, increased ratings for degenerative joint disease of the left and right hips, and an increase in rating for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss did not warrant a compensable rating, and denied his claim for service connection of arthritis due to lack of evidence linking it to service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for a compensable initial rating for service-connected bilateral hearing loss and service connection for bilateral tinnitus. The veteran was not granted any disability ratings or effective dates.

The VA has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss, rated at 30 percent since October 2000, does not warrant a higher rating based on current medical evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and arranging for an orthopedic examination. The veteran's claim for increased rating of his right shoulder disability and hearing loss will be reconsidered.

The veteran's service connection claims for peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities, right ear hearing loss, and a skin lesion on the forehead are all denied. However, the veteran is granted service connection for a skin lesion on his forehead.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluation for his claimed conditions, finding that there was no evidence linking any of these conditions to his military service or herbicide exposure. The left ear hearing loss claim was not granted as compensable. Tinnitus was found not related to service. Thyroid cancer residuals were also not linked to service. Myasthenia gravis was likewise not found to be service-connected.

The Board has determined that the veteran's tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss were not incurred in or aggravated by active military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss does not warrant a compensable evaluation.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for an eye disorder and bilateral hearing loss, finding no new and material evidence to reopen these previously denied claims.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have current diagnoses of bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, or a skin disability. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus are being remanded for further examination to determine if they are related to noise exposure during service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and traumatic arthritis are not supported by the evidence of record. The claim for a bilateral foot condition is reopened, but service connection remains denied.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the veteran's current conditions are at least as likely as not related to his active duty military service.

The Board has determined that additional records are needed, including SSA records and medical examinations for the veteran's cold injuries and eye conditions. The case is being remanded to obtain these records and conduct necessary evaluations.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and VA treatment records. A VA examination will be conducted to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed disabilities.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining service personnel records and scheduling a VA examination. The veteran will also be provided with VCAA notice regarding disability ratings and effective dates.

The Board has determined that additional medical evidence is needed to decide the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, as the current record does not contain sufficient medical evidence to establish a link between these conditions and the veteran's active duty service.