Hearing loss decisions — 2008

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus due to a lack of credible supporting evidence that the claimed in-service stressors occurred. The right ear hearing loss was found not to have undergone a permanent increase during service.

The veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than August 30, 2002 for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities has been denied as the evidence does not establish that his service-connected conditions rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to this date.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for further development, including scheduling a new VA audiological examination and requesting an opinion on whether the appellant's left ear hearing loss is at least as likely as not etiologically related to his military service due to exposure to acoustic trauma during a ship attack in service.

The Board determined that the veteran did not have a current diagnosis of hearing loss, PTSD, or cardiovascular disability for VA purposes. The claims were denied as there was no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss was rated at 10 percent from August 24, 2005. The Board found that a higher rating is not warranted prior to this date.

The VA denied an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss from March 29, 2007. The veteran's current evaluation is 10 percent.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to a change in the hearing officer. He was seeking a compensable evaluation for his bilateral hearing loss, but the case needs further review and potential new evidence may be required.

The VA has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under the applicable disability evaluation criteria.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have hearing loss or tinnitus that is related to his military service and therefore denied both claims.

The Board denied service connection for right ear hearing loss disability, finding no evidence linking the condition to service. Service connection was granted for left ear hearing loss disability.

The Board found that the veteran's low back disability, PTSD, and bilateral hearing loss were not incurred or aggravated by active service. The claims for these conditions were denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a vertigo disorder and right ear hearing loss, finding no evidence of current disability or in-service incurrence or aggravation.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for service connection due to a lack of verified active military service, as his name change was not legally recognized.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to service, as there is no evidence of a current disability during or within one year after service. The VA examiner found it unlikely that the disabilities resulted from acoustic trauma during service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The Board also found in favor of granting service connection for this condition, considering the medical opinions in favor of a link between the veteran's hearing loss and noise exposure during military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss was not shown in service, nor was it manifest to a compensable degree within the first year after his separation from service. There is no medical evidence linking the veteran's current hearing loss disability to service.

The veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a right hand disorder are being remanded due to conflicting medical opinions and the need for further examinations.

The appeal has been dismissed as the appellant withdrew his appeal prior to a decision being made.

The VA determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not warrant a compensable evaluation, as his test results did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board found that the veteran failed to report for a VA examination scheduled in connection with his claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. As a result, the claims were denied as there was no evidence of current disability or link between service and these conditions.