Hearing loss Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, or bilateral ear disability. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Veteran is found to be in need of regular aid and attendance due to service-connected disabilities, but not housebound. Special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss does not warrant a compensable disability rating at any time during the appeal period. The claim for service connection for a scar on the upper lip is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss did not originate in active service, was not caused by active service, and did not manifest to a compensable degree within one year of service separation. Therefore, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable, and the Board finds that a compensable rating is not warranted based on the current evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing substantially gainful employment.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is due to her exposure to hazardous noise levels during service in Desert Storm, and granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not meet or approximate the criteria for a compensable evaluation under VA rating criteria.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left ear hearing loss is related to noise exposure during service, and granted his claim for service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's right little finger disability did not warrant a compensable rating, and his bilateral hearing loss was rated as noncompensable.

The Veteran's ischemic heart disease has been rated at various levels based on his level of activity that results in dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope. The rating was increased to 60% from October 3, 2005, and decreased back to 60% effective December 2, 2013.,The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has been rated at 20% since October 13, 2010. Prior to this date, the rating was based on Level IV hearing loss in both ears. The improvement in his hearing after October 13, 2010, led to a decrease in the rating.,The Veteran's asbestosis has been rated at 30% since August 12, 2013. Prior to this date, the rating was based on FVC of 75-80 percent predicted or DLCO (SB) of 66-80 percent predicted. The improvement in his condition after August 12, 2013, led to a decrease in the rating.

The Board has dismissed the appeal for service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's claim for service connection of tinnitus is granted.

The Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability had onset during active service and the Board finds that the criteria for service connection are met.

Service connection granted for right knee disability and left ear hearing loss. Skin disorder claim not addressed due to lack of herbicide exposure evidence.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is at least as likely as not caused by his military service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service records and the need for additional medical opinions. The Veteran's periods of active duty are unclear, and his hearing loss and tinnitus may be related to in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was not shown to be related to service, and the Board denied his claim for service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is not related to his military service and denied his claim.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and an increased rating for a scar, status post-operative left inguinal hernia were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show the presence of bilateral hearing loss disability for VA purposes or any other basis for service connection. For his back, left ankle, and knee disabilities, new examinations are required to determine their current severity.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates were denied. The hearing loss is rated as zero percent, the right arm and shoulder injury as 20 percent, and cervical spine degenerative changes as 10 percent. No higher ratings are warranted.