Hearing loss decisions — 2008

The VA determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss did not warrant a higher rating than 30 percent for any period of his increased rating claim.

The veteran's claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss and tinnitus are being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine if he has these disabilities, their likely etiology, and whether they are related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran developed hearing loss in his left ear during active duty and this condition continues to the present day. However, there is no evidence of aggravation by service for his right ear hearing loss or tinnitus. As such, the claim for service connection for these conditions are granted for the left ear but denied for the right ear and tinnitus.

The VA has determined that the veteran's initial noncompensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is appropriate based on the September 2006 audiometric evaluation results.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to determine if the veteran currently has bilateral hearing loss related to military service exposure. The cervical spine condition, status post concussion, and mild paralysis of the left side of the face secondary to concussion issues are also being remanded.

The Board found that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is not related to his time in service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have hearing impairment as defined by VA standards, and therefore, service connection for hearing loss is denied.

The Board found that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred in or aggravated by active military service, as there was no evidence of such conditions during service or within one year post-service. The VA examinations did not support a link between current hearing loss and tinnitus and service.

The veteran's initial claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied as his current level of hearing loss does not meet the criteria for any higher evaluation.

The veteran's bilateral hearing loss has been rated as noncompensable since October 1, 2003. The evidence does not support a compensable rating.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to determine the relationship between the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus and his military service, including any civilian employment.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected coronary artery disease, hypertension, and left ear hearing loss are being remanded to the RO for additional development.

The VA has determined that the veteran's right ear conductive type hearing loss does not warrant an increased rating, as it currently meets the criteria for a noncompensable (0%) evaluation under the applicable rating schedule.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his military service, as there is no evidence of in-service noise exposure or a nexus between his current conditions and service. The preponderance of the evidence supports denial of these claims.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and chronic ENT infections.

The veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and hypertension are denied. The claim for a neck injury/disorder is granted with the reopening of the claim.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection or a compensable evaluation for his hearing loss conditions. The appeal is denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed conditions, including PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, skin cancer, and bilateral knee disability, were not incurred or aggravated by his active service. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for any of these conditions.

The VA has determined that the veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss does not warrant a compensable initial rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's chronic tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss disability are related to his active service, granting service connection for these conditions.