Hearing loss decisions — 2008

The Board found no evidence of a current eye disorder or hearing loss disability attributable to service. The veteran's presbyopia and astigmatism were determined not to be disabilities for VA compensation purposes, as they are natural parts of aging. For bilateral hearing loss, the Board noted that there was no in-service noise exposure documented and the first post-service evidence of hearing loss is from 10 years after service. Therefore, service connection could not be established.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left ear hearing loss is not service-connected, and his right ear hearing loss does not warrant an initial compensable evaluation.

The Board has granted an increased rating of 90 percent for bilateral hearing loss since December 31, 2003. The effective date for the grant of service connection for tinnitus is set at August 27, 1980.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and asbestosis. The evidence does not support a current disability in any of these conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have hearing loss disability for VA purposes and therefore, service connection is denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, a skin disorder (presumably a skin condition), and PTSD. The evidence did not show current diagnoses of these conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hearing acuity does not warrant a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, and thus denied his claim.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss as he does not have a current disability that meets VA compensation criteria.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development and notification.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not meet or approximate the criteria for a compensable evaluation throughout the rating period on appeal.

The Board found no evidence of current hearing loss or tinnitus related to service, and thus denied the veteran's claims for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to service, as there is no evidence of current disabilities within a year of separation from service. The preponderance of the evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection.

The veteran's appeal for a higher evaluation for bilateral hearing loss has been dismissed as he requested to withdraw his appeal.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss, PTSD, and ED have been granted. The initial rating for PTSD is set at 30 percent effective September 25, 2008. The initial compensable rating for ED was assigned as of November 13, 2003.

The veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss and back disability were denied, as the evidence did not show a nexus to his military service. His increased rating claims for Pellegrini-Stieda's disease of the left knee and myositis and ossificans of the left thigh, secondary to trauma, were also denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is related to noise exposure in service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss was not incurred or aggravated by active service and is not related to military noise exposure. As a result, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for left shoulder strain and right ear hearing loss, as well as increased ratings for low back strain and arthritis of the thoracic spine. The veteran's claim for an increased rating for left ear hearing loss is referred to the RO.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and is denied an increased evaluation for a postoperative injury to the left ring finger.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is due to noise exposure during service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.