Hearing loss decisions — 2009

The Veteran seeks a higher initial evaluation for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss. The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence of current severity and impact on daily activities.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 40 percent rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied as there is no evidence of an increase in disability prior to July 6, 2006.

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 Veteran's left ear hearing loss is related to in-service non-combat-related acoustic trauma and service connection for this condition has been granted. The right ear hearing loss was also granted, but with a 0 percent rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are causally related to his active service, with reasonable doubt resolved in favor of the Veteran.

The Board denied a compensable evaluation for the Veteran's service-connected right ear hearing loss, finding that his hearing acuity did not meet the criteria for any higher rating under VA's disability rating schedule. The Veteran was also granted referral to the Under Secretary for Benefits or the Director of Compensation and Pension Service for consideration of an extraschedular rating due to the severity of his condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for cold weather injuries of the right and left feet, as well as increased ratings for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss disability. The decision also addressed the Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for his bilateral hearing loss prior to April 30, 2007, and a rating in excess of 20 percent from that date.

The Board found that the Veteran's current hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service, specifically noise exposure during his time in Vietnam. The decision granted service connection for bilateral periodic tinnitus but denied service connection for sensorineural hearing loss.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied as there is no evidence of a nexus between his current hearing loss and his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is not related to his service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration, including obtaining additional medical records and conducting a new VA examination to determine if the appellant's current bilateral hearing loss is related to his military service.

The Veteran's initial claim for an initial compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss has been denied as his hearing impairment does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under VA's rating schedule.

The Veteran's claims for an initial compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss and service connection for Meniere's disease were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating or service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left and right ear hearing loss is likely due to noise exposure during active service, granting his claims for service connection.

The Board denied service connection for hearing loss and a cardiac disorder, claiming enlargement of the heart, finding no evidence to support these claims.

The Veteran does not have hearing loss or tinnitus that is attributable to his active military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that his hearing loss disability was not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his active military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not warrant a compensable rating under the schedular criteria. However, due to exceptional circumstances, the case is being referred for consideration of an extraschedular evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for numbness of the left hand, hearing loss, and skin rash on hands and feet have been granted. The claim for spots on the face remains pending.