Hearing loss decisions — 2008

The Board has determined that the veteran's right ear hearing loss is as likely as not attributable to military service, while tinnitus is less than likely related to military service.

The VA denied an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the veteran's current level of disability does not warrant a higher evaluation.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and service connection for Type-II diabetes mellitus were denied. The veteran was granted a noncompensable disability rating for his bilateral hearing loss from September 30, 2004 through October 12, 2005, and a 10 percent disability rating thereafter.

The Board has determined that the veteran's death was not caused by or related to premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) noted during service, and therefore denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right ear hearing loss does not warrant a compensable rating, as his audiometric test results correspond to Level I for both ears.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The evidence did not establish current disabilities or a link to military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss was not incurred in or aggravated by his active duty service and denied this claim. The issue of service connection for PTSD is remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding a verified stressor.

The veteran withdrew her appeal on the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as the claim for an increased rating for a seizure disorder.

The Board found that the veteran does not have a current level of hearing loss in his left ear sufficient to be considered a disability for VA purposes, and thus denied service connection for left ear hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral high frequency hearing loss is as likely as not related to noise exposure during his military service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current hearing loss, heart disorder (including hypertension and coronary insufficiency), stomach disorder (including peptic ulcer disease and gastritis), and arthritis are all related to his military service.

The VA determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and denied his claim for service connection.

The VA determined that the veteran's hearing loss did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating, as his hearing was no greater than Level III in both ears.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there is no medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to schedule a hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of bilateral hearing loss, recurrent tinnitus, or vertigo due to service. The claims for these conditions are therefore denied.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding new and material evidence. However, it denied reopening of his claim for service connection for tinnitus.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for left ear hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his active duty service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is related to his military service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.