Hearing loss decisions — 2008

The veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been reopened, but the evidence does not establish a current disability.,The veteran's subtrochanteric bursitis of the hips is not related to his service-connected varicosities of the lower extremities.

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

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for lung disability, congestive heart failure, and bilateral hearing loss as there is no evidence linking these conditions to his time in service.

The Board found that the veteran does not have a current disability of bilateral hearing loss or tinnitus as recognized by VA standards. The evidence did not establish service connection for these conditions.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there was no evidence of a chronic ear disability during service or within one year after separation. The veteran's current diagnoses were not related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss warrants a 10 percent disability rating, effective May 16, 2007. The evidence does not support an increase in this rating.

The veteran's appeal for service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been withdrawn, resulting in the dismissal of the case.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection of bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the earliest date of claim was October 18, 2002.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that there was no evidence of hearing loss during or within one year after his military service. The Board concluded that any current hearing loss is not related to his active service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and hiatal hernia, as well as service connection for depression. The claim to reopen a claim of service connection for lumbar disc disease/arthritis was also denied.

The Board denied service connection for respiratory and joint pain disabilities, as well as bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The claims were based on direct evidence rather than presumptive exposure to a specific agent or illness.

The Board found that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred in or aggravated by active service, and may not be presumed to have been so incurred or aggravated. As such, his claims for service connection were denied.

The Board found no evidence of hearing loss in service and concluded that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is not related to his military service.

The veteran seeks service connection for multiple conditions, including a skin rash, left knee disability, gastroesophageal reflux disease, sleep apnea, and low back pain. The case is being remanded to obtain additional VA treatment records.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that there was no evidence of in-service noise exposure and that his current hearing disability is more likely due to natural aging rather than military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current disability for which service connection can be granted, including bilateral hearing loss, left knee and ankle disabilities, or poor blood circulation in the legs. The claims are denied.

The Board found that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability did not manifest during service or within one year thereafter and has not been shown to be causally related to service. The left knee disorder was denied as secondary to service-connected right knee or left foot disorders due to lack of evidence showing a nexus.

The Board has determined that the veteran's pre-existing bilateral hearing loss was aggravated by active service, and his current bilateral hearing loss is service-connected. The claim for hypertension secondary to diabetes mellitus type II is denied as there is no medical evidence showing a direct link between the two conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hearing loss does not warrant a rating in excess of 30 percent, and his tinnitus is currently rated at its maximum allowable under Diagnostic Code 6260. The appeal for increased ratings is denied.

The Board found no evidence of hearing loss or tinnitus during service, and denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.