Hearing loss decisions — 2008

The VA determined that the appellant's bilateral hearing loss disability is at worst, manifested by an average puretone threshold of 37.5 decibels on the right and 43 decibels on the left. Discrimination ability was at worst 92 percent correct on the right and 94 percent correct on the left. The VA found that this level of hearing loss does not warrant a higher evaluation.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for generalized anxiety disorder secondary to his hearing loss and an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss. The effective date for service connection of bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus was granted as December 23, 2003.

The Board has decided that there is insufficient competent medical evidence to decide the claim and has ordered a VA examination to determine if the veteran's hearing loss is related to his service in a hostile acoustic environment. The appeal will be remanded for this purpose.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete notification and a need to obtain SSA records.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss and initial compensable evaluation for left ear hearing loss. The VA audiometric evaluations did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating in either ear.

The Board denied the claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss in April 1983, finding that there was no medical relationship between events in service and the currently diagnosed hearing loss.

The veteran's subtotal gastrectomy, residual of duodenal ulcer, is rated at 60 percent due to severe postgastrectomy symptoms. His bilateral hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable.

The veteran's appeal to the April 2003 rating decision denying a compensable evaluation for hearing loss was not timely filed, and therefore the claim is denied.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss and did not address the claim for service connection for residuals, Bennett's fracture, right hand.

The Board has determined that the current record is insufficient to constitute a basis to award service connection for GERD, as there is no confirmed treatment for this condition since 2003. The veteran's claims of bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are also remanded due to inadequate examination results.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for asbestosis and bilateral hearing loss, and service connection for a left knee condition. The RO must provide additional development and readjudicate the claims.

The Board found no evidence to support the appellant's claims for service connection of bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and fibromyalgia. The appellant did not have a current disability that meets VA criteria for these conditions at the time of her claim or during the appeal period.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for PTSD and bilateral hearing loss. The denial is based on a lack of credible supporting evidence verifying the occurrence of the veteran's claimed in-service stressor, which is necessary to establish service connection.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a rash in his groin area, a bilateral ankle and foot disability (clamed as soreness and cracking), and bilateral hearing loss.

The veteran's claims for service connection and initial rating for hearing loss, spinal disorder, and left leg disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and Social Security Administration (SSA) records. The veteran is also to be provided VCAA notice regarding increased ratings and TDIU.

The veteran's request for a hearing has been noted, and the RO must schedule her for a personal hearing. She is also requested to clarify the type of hearing she requested.

The veteran's GERD, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus are all found to be related to service. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The VA denied a compensable rating for the veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss.

The Board denied service connection for a right shoulder disability and hearing loss, finding no evidence linking these conditions to military service. The claim of reopening a foot disability was also denied.