Hearing loss decisions — 2008

The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher ratings for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss, finding that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to June 14, 2004, and 20 percent since then.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for clarification of his intent regarding the effective dates and initial ratings assigned for his right thumb condition and hearing loss. Additionally, a VA examination is needed to assess the current severity of his service-connected hearing loss.

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

The veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were evaluated, but the claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied.

The Board found that the veteran's current hearing loss and tinnitus are not attributable to incidents of military service, as there is no objective evidence revealing hearing loss or tinnitus during or for years after service. The veteran served in combat with the enemy in Korea but did not meet VA criteria for hearing loss disability until 26 years after separation from service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred in or aggravated by his military service, and PTSD was not diagnosed. Therefore, the claims for these conditions are denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and may not be presumed to have been so incurred or aggravated.

The veteran's claims for service connection for a deviated nasal septum and sinus disability were denied. His claim for higher ratings for bilateral hearing loss was also denied.

The veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, arthritis of the bilateral knees, residuals of asbestos exposure, and tinea pedis were all denied. The Board found no direct evidence linking these conditions to service or any presumptive exposure basis.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including right ear hearing loss, hypercholesterolemia, a left shoulder condition, and a left knee condition. The veteran was not granted an increased rating for her lumbosacral strain with minimal degenerative changes.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and sinus condition. The appeal is also REMANDED to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the left arm/wrist/hand and right arm/elbow disabilities.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and service connection for tinnitus. The right knee disability claim was not addressed as it pertained to a different RO decision.

The Board found that the veteran's currently diagnosed bilateral hearing loss was not incurred in or aggravated by service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board found that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred in or aggravated by service, as there was no evidence of such conditions during service or within one year post-service. The claims for increased rating for PTSD are referred to the RO.

The veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for a VA audiological examination and review of his service-connected hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred in or aggravated by active service, nor may they be presumed to have been incurred due to a disease, injury or event in service. The preponderance of evidence is against the claims.

The Board found no evidence of a current right ankle/heel disorder, hearing loss disability for VA compensation purposes, or tinnitus as incurred in service. The veteran's complaints and symptoms were not supported by medical evidence.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination to determine the etiology of his right ear hearing loss and tinnitus. The case will be returned to the RO after this development.

A rating in excess of 20 percent for bilateral hearing loss is not warranted prior to January 24, 2005.,A rating in excess of 30 percent for bilateral hearing loss is not warranted from January 24, 2005.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The VA found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher disability evaluations or service connection.