Hearing loss decisions — 2009

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss and tinnitus were granted, with a noncompensable rating assigned. The claim for increased disability rating for prostate cancer was granted with a 10 percent evaluation, while the PTSD claim resulted in a 10 percent evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for an effective date prior to February 10, 2005 for service connection are denied as there is no evidence of a claim being received within one year of discharge from active duty.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding no evidence of current disabilities or a link to service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for aphakia, bilateral hearing loss, and a back disorder were denied. The claim to reopen the previously denied claim of service connection for residuals of polyneuritis (Guillain-Barre Syndrome) was also denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss and dizziness were not caused by VA medical treatment in October 2005, and thus denied his claim under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was evaluated as noncompensably disabling under the applicable rating criteria. The Board found that his audiometric test results did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his active service, including any noise exposure or meningitis. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection of tinnitus and granted them. The Veteran's history of in-service noise exposure is credible, and his current tinnitus was present since service.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss has been denied as his audiometric testing did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss was denied as the audiometric results did not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is not related to his active service, including any noise exposure or acoustic trauma, and did not manifest within a year of his discharge.

The Board has determined that service connection for hypertension, bilateral metatarsus varus of the feet, and left ear hearing loss disability is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and the need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is found to be related to service, while his tinnitus is not. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is granted.

The Veteran's hearing loss in the right ear is rated at 10 percent, which is the maximum rating available under VA regulations. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that these conditions are as likely as not related to the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, hemorrhoids, tinea pedis, and low back strain were denied. The claim for service connection for tinnitus was not addressed as it is not part of the appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current diagnoses of right ear hearing loss or asbestosis, and thus cannot establish service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran does not currently have a diagnosed bilateral sensorineural hearing loss disability and the evidence does not establish that his current condition is related to service.