Hearing loss decisions — 2009

The veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for the awards of service connection and increased ratings were denied as the evidence did not support an earlier date than January 13, 2006.

The Board denied service connection for a thoracic spine disability, cervical spine disability, and bilateral hearing loss as there was no competent medical evidence supporting the existence of these conditions. The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his left testicle varicocele was also denied.

The veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was remanded to provide the veteran with a VA examination and obtain any relevant medical records.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss as there was no evidence of hearing loss during service or within one year of separation, and no competent medical opinion linking the current condition to his military service.

The veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities was remanded for further development, including the provision of a VA examination.

The veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection for right ear hearing loss, and the issue is dismissed.

The Board granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the veteran's acoustic trauma from aircraft noise exposure during periods of active duty and inactive duty training was at least as likely as not incurred in the line of duty.

The Board denied the veteran's appeal for an increased disability rating for bilateral hearing loss, as the evidence did not support a higher rating.

The Board must remand the case to obtain a medical opinion that properly considers the veteran's lay statements regarding the onset of his hearing loss and tinnitus during service.

The Board finds sufficient evidence to reopen the previously denied claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The de novo issue of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss, as well as the claim for service connection for tinnitus, is being remanded.

The veteran's initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied as the evidence did not support a higher rating.

The veteran's initial disability ratings for bilateral hearing loss and residuals of a right fifth finger fracture were denied, with the exception that his rating for bilateral hearing loss was increased to 10 percent effective November 29, 2006.

The Board denied service connection for tinnitus and left ear hearing loss, finding no evidence of in-service incurrence or aggravation. Right ear hearing loss was remanded.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for right ear hearing loss as there was no demonstration of a current disability.

The veteran's lumbar spine disability, to include degenerative changes, is not due to disease or injury that was incurred in or aggravated by military service.

The veteran's hearing loss does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board remands the issue of entitlement to an increased (compensable) rating for service-connected right ear hearing loss for additional procedural development.

The veteran's claims for a compensable evaluation for hearing loss of the left ear and to reopen service connection for gout are being remanded for further development.

The Board grants service connection for panic disorder with agoraphobia and right ear hearing loss, as the evidence supports a finding that these conditions are related to the veteran's military service.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, a low back disorder, a colon disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as the evidence did not support a finding that any of these conditions were related to the veteran's active duty service.