Hearing loss decisions — 2009

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus were denied, as neither condition was present in service or related to service. The claim for a compensable rating for residuals of malaria is remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current hearing loss disability as defined by VA standards and therefore, service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied. For tinnitus, the Board finds that there is sufficient evidence to support a finding of in-service noise exposure leading to current tinnitus, thus granting service connection.

The Board has determined that the submitted evidence is not new and material, thus denying the reopening of the claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected fractured left little finger and left ear hearing loss do not warrant a higher initial evaluation, as they are currently rated at noncompensable levels.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been dismissed due to his death.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and finds that it is related to the Veteran's active service from April 1948 to April 1951. The evidence shows current hearing loss disability, exposure to noise in service, and a relationship between the two.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of death due to motor vehicle accident and resulting head injury, as well as DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus was denied. The Veteran is currently receiving the maximum schedular rating available for his service-connected conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The claim for gum disease was denied as it is not a compensable condition.

The Veteran's hearing loss has been rated as noncompensable from November 6, 2003 until July 25, 2007 and as 20 percent from July 26, 2007. The appeal is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining service records and a VA examination to determine the etiology of his hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining additional medical records. The Veteran is advised to submit any relevant evidence or statements from family members who have information about his hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Board has reopened the claim for diabetes mellitus but denied the claims for hypertension, hearing loss, and tinnitus as new and material evidence was not submitted. Service connection is granted for an eye disability resulting from dental trauma in service. The Veteran's other claims remain denied.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for service-connected bilateral hearing loss has been denied as his hearing acuity does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under VA's rating schedule.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable under the VA rating schedule, and there is no evidence to support a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for a compensable evaluation for tinea versicolor and service connection for hearing loss are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including providing VCAA notification, rescheduling VA examinations, obtaining Social Security Administration records, and requesting VA medical records.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was not incurred during service and concluded it is less likely than not due to military noise exposure. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have established service connection for bilateral hearing loss or tinnitus, as these conditions are not shown to be related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's hearing loss prior to January 21, 2009 was rated at 20 percent and the evidence does not support a higher rating.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to new and material evidence. However, the claim is denied as there is no competent medical evidence linking the current hearing loss to service.