Hearing loss decisions — 2008

The Board found that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred in or aggravated by active service, as there was no medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service. The VA examiners concluded that both conditions are more likely related to aging rather than service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss, and also denied his claim for service connection for vertigo. The case is being remanded to issue a statement of the case on the service connection issue.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and PTSD due to insufficient evidence of a current disability.

The VA has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating, as his hearing acuity is only at Level I in both ears.

The VA has determined that the veteran's left ear hearing loss does not warrant a compensable rating based on current audiometric test results.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for a new VA orthopedic examination to determine if his service-connected disabilities alone prevent him from securing and following any substantially-gainful employment. The RO is also instructed to obtain all outstanding VA medical records, SSA disability benefits records, and arrange for the veteran to undergo a VA orthopedic examination.

The Board found that the veteran's hypertension does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation, and his bilateral hearing loss did not warrant an initial rating greater than 10 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD. The veteran's current hearing loss does not meet VA criteria for a disability, and his PTSD is rated as 30 percent disabling.

The Board found that the veteran does not have current diagnoses of PTSD, tinnitus, or bilateral hearing loss as defined by VA regulations. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination to determine if asbestos exposure during service may have caused or aggravated any current respiratory disability. The veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD remains pending.

The veteran's appeal for increased ratings for his service-connected tinnitus, hearing loss of the left ear, and chronic recurring otitis media of the left ear with effusion has been denied as there is no legal basis to award a higher rating under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there is no evidence of in-service injury or disease related to these conditions.

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

The veteran's PTSD and bilateral hearing loss were granted service connection with initial evaluations of zero percent. Service connection for headaches, varicose veins, and peripheral neuropathy of the hands was denied.

The Board found that the veteran's claimed conditions of bilateral hearing loss, defective vision, and low back disorder were not incurred or aggravated by his active service. The evidence did not show a current disability related to service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for right knee, left knee, and back disabilities. The claim for bilateral hearing loss disability was granted.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for lung disorder, heart disorder, hypertension, hearing loss, and postoperative residuals of gastric surgery as there is no current evidence of disability or a nexus to service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his military service, and thus denied both claims.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right ear hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred or aggravated by service, and denied his claims for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and a right knee disability, but denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss.