Hearing loss decisions — 2008

The Board denied service connection for hearing loss of the left ear and bilateral plantar fasciitis, and found that a higher evaluation was not warranted for degenerative disc disease and spondylolisthesis of the lumbar spine with limitation of motion.

The veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating, and he is entitled to a 100 percent disability rating for PTSD throughout the initial rating period. Additionally, his left shoulder disability originated during active duty.

The appeal is remanded to the RO for further development of evidence related to the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, hearing loss disability, and tinnitus.

The veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral leg disabilities, a back condition, left ear hearing loss, and migraine headaches are being remanded to obtain additional evidence.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus as there is no medical evidence of a current disability, and the veteran's reported in-service noise exposure does not establish a nexus to his current conditions.

The veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus were remanded for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his conditions.

The veteran's claim for service connection for right ear hearing loss was denied because he does not currently have a disability as defined by VA.

The veteran's claim for an increase in the ratings for otitis media with hearing loss is being remanded to provide proper VCAA notice and further medical examination.

The veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were denied, but the case was remanded to schedule a VA examination.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss as the evidence did not show that it was due to any event or incident of active service, nor did it manifest within one year following separation from active duty.

The veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and chronic otitis media were remanded for a VA examination to determine the nature, extent, and etiology of these conditions.

The appeal was dismissed due to the veteran's death.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus as there was no evidence that these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by active military service.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded for a new VA examination to determine the current severity of his condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to a lack of medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The veteran's initial rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied as the evidence did not support a compensable rating.

The veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, degenerative changes of the left shoulder, and a low back disorder were denied. The claim for an increased rating for a left shoulder scar was also denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral hearing loss and separate schedular 10 percent ratings for bilateral tinnitus.

The Board finds that the criteria for service connection for bilateral hearing loss are met, but the criteria for service connection for tinnitus are not met.

The veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were reopened, and both conditions were granted as they are at least as likely due to military noise exposure.