Hearing loss decisions — 2008

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed disabilities are not related to his service-connected dental trauma, and thus denied all of his claims.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an initial disability evaluation in excess of 30 percent for service-connected bilateral hearing loss, finding that his symptoms did not meet the criteria necessary for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 6100.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and increased the rating to 50 percent effective May 6, 2004. The veteran's bilateral hearing loss was not rated as compensable.

The veteran's claim of service connection for a bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine the etiology of his claimed condition.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including notification and examination.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there is no evidence of a current disability or association with service.

The VA has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not warrant a rating higher than 30 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and low back disability, finding that new and material evidence was not received to reopen the previously denied claim for bilateral hearing loss. The low back disability was also not found to be incurred in service.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the veteran's current hearing impairment is related to his in-service acoustic trauma. Service connection for tinnitus was denied as there is no evidence linking it to his military service.

The veteran's claim for a reduction in his compensation rating for service-connected bilateral hearing loss from 30 percent to 10 percent has been remanded due to uncertainty regarding the actual severity of his disability at the time of the reduction.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus as there was no evidence of a nexus between the conditions and active duty service.

The veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at non-VA facilities for aortic dissection were not reimbursable under VA regulations because the treatment was not related to a service-connected disability.

The VA determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating based on his October 2004 audiometric test results, which showed noncompensable disability.

The veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for his bilateral hearing loss was denied by the Board.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection as his current bilateral hearing loss did not manifest within one year of separation from service and there is no competent evidence linking his current condition to in-service noise exposure.

The veteran's appeal for increased ratings for tinnitus, right ear hearing loss, and adjustment disorder with anxious features was denied. The Board found that the maximum evaluation authorized under DC 6260 (for tinnitus) is a single 10 percent rating.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the evidence is in relative balance as to whether these conditions are related to service. The claim for increased PTSD rating remains pending.

The veteran seeks a higher rating for his service-connected folliculitis of the posterior neck and an earlier effective date. He also seeks service connection for a sinus disorder and bilateral hearing loss. The case is remanded to determine if service-connection was previously established, obtain missing records, and re-adjudicate the claims.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including an addendum opinion from the Under Secretary for Benefits or the Director, Compensation and Pension Service. The effective dates for the schedular and extraschedular ratings will be clarified.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities result in his needing assistance with activities of daily living such as transferring himself from bed to wheelchair, standing, and dressing. The Board finds that the veteran meets the criteria for aid and attendance due to his right knee disability causing poor balance and ambulation.