Hearing loss decisions — 2008

The veteran's bilateral hearing loss was properly assigned a noncompensable evaluation, and the reduction from 60 percent to a noncompensable rating was affirmed.

The appeal is remanded to the RO via the AMC for further development, including an examination of the veteran's service-connected conditions and their impact on employability.

The veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is manifested by no more than Level III hearing acuity in the right ear and no more than Level III hearing acuity in the left ear, which does not warrant a compensable disability evaluation.

The veteran's status-post cyst removal, right side auditory meatus was not found to be productive of a compensable disability rating. The claim for service connection for hearing loss is being remanded for further development.

The claim for service connection for a bilateral hearing loss disability was reopened, but ultimately denied. The claims for left ear fungus/otitis, nasopharyngitis, bronchitis, and bronchial asthma were not reopened.

The Board denied service connection for a sleep disorder, right ear hearing loss disability, tinnitus, flat feet and bilateral ankle disorder as there was no evidence of these conditions in service or that they were related to the veteran's period of active duty.

The Board denied service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder, granted service connection for skin disorders (tinea pedis and cruris), denied service connection for glaucoma, and denied service connection for hearing loss.

The veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, and the claim is dismissed.

The Board denied service connection for right ear hearing loss and left ear perforated tympanic membrane as the evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were related to the veteran's active military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss as there was no evidence of a chronic condition in service, and the current hearing loss was not shown to be related to service.

The veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss and hypertension do not warrant ratings in excess of 20 percent and 10 percent, respectively.

The Board found that the veteran's preexisting bilateral hearing loss increased in severity during his period of active duty and granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The Board also found that the veteran's tinnitus had its onset in service and granted service connection.

The Board remands the veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral hip disorder, right knee disorder, back injury, hearing loss (right ear), and tinnitus to schedule VA examinations.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, as there was no evidence showing that his current condition was related to incidents or acoustic trauma during military service.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss disability, and left knee disability as the evidence did not support a finding that any of these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an initial compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss, as the evidence did not support a higher rating.

The veteran's pre-service bilateral hearing loss increased in severity during service, and the Board finds that this increase was not due to the natural progression of the condition. Therefore, service connection for bilateral hearing loss is granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of catarrhal fever, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The claims to reopen for a right shoulder disorder and left knee disorder were also denied as new and material evidence was not submitted. Additionally, the veteran does not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound.

The veteran's hearing loss disability is linked to his military service, but there is no evidence linking night sweats to service or the veteran's service-connected malaria.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to a lack of evidence supporting a relationship between his current disabilities and military service.