Hearing loss decisions — 2010

The Veteran's appeal is remanded to determine if separate ratings for the residuals of an acoustic neuroma can be assigned, with a goal of obtaining a combined rating higher than 60 percent.

The Board found that new and material evidence had been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss. However, it was determined that current bilateral hearing loss does not meet VA's definition of a disability due to lack of in-service complaints or treatment related to hearing impairment. The Veteran's tinnitus is also denied as there is no medical evidence linking his current condition to military service.

The Board has determined that further examination and medical opinion are needed to determine if the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus as there is no medical evidence linking the current disabilities to in-service noise exposure.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including PTSD, hypertension, a heart disorder, skin cancer, sinus disorder, and bilateral hearing loss. The evidence did not establish that any of these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and an acquired psychiatric disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of records.

The VA determined that the Veteran does not have current left ear hearing loss, and thus cannot grant service connection for this condition.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and denied reopening of the claim for service connection for hemorrhoids. The Veteran's tinea versicolor was also denied.

The Veteran's GERD has been rated at the highest possible level of disability, a 60 percent rating.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus is granted.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus was granted a 20 percent rating effective December 20, 2006. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were also granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is not supported by competent evidence of a link between his current condition and his military service. The initial compensable rating for residuals of a left eye injury has been granted.

The Veteran's essential tremor of the right hand is rated at 30 percent effective March 19, 2009. The Veteran's essential tremor of the left hand is rated at 20 percent effective March 19, 2009.

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

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied. The claims for right ear hearing loss and residuals of cold injuries are also denied as there is no evidence of such conditions during or after service.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine if these conditions are related to his military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's current hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his military service, including noise exposure. The claims for service connection were denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for her left ear hearing loss, finding that her current level of impairment did not warrant such a rating.

The Board has ordered the VA to obtain all relevant medical records and review the Veteran's claims for service connection for acoustic neuroma, right ear hearing loss, and PTSD. The case will be remanded for further action.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding no current disability as defined by VA regulations for hearing loss and insufficient evidence to establish a nexus between any current symptoms and military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for low back strain with degenerative joint disease and bilateral hearing loss were denied due to failure to report for scheduled VA examinations without good cause.