Hearing loss Board decisions

The Board remands the case for a current VA audiological examination to determine the nature, extent, and etiology of any diagnosed bilateral hearing loss or tinnitus.

The veteran's claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied as the evidence did not support a compensable rating at any time covered by this appeal.

The veteran's claim for an initial compensable evaluation for service-connected bilateral hearing loss was remanded to the RO for further development and consideration of additional evidence.

The appeal is remanded to the RO for further development and consideration of the veteran's claims for service connection for depression, bilateral hearing loss, and a rash of the groin area.

The Board denied service connection for status post vocal cord excision, right true vocal cord paralysis, and dysphonia plica, hearing loss, tinnitus, headaches, and loss of vision as there was no evidence of a nexus or relationship to service or exposure to herbicides during service.

The Board denied service connection for a right ear hearing loss disability and residuals of a head injury, finding that the pre-existing conditions were not aggravated by the veteran's active duty.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied as there is no evidence that he communicated an intent to reopen his claim prior to June 30, 2004.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus as there was no evidence of in-service incurrence or a nexus to service.

The veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent prior to July 16, 2006, and increased to 50 percent from that date due to symptoms of depressed mood, difficulty sleeping, flashbacks, startle response, hypervigilence, and difficulty establishing effective work and social relationships.

The veteran's service-connected allergic rhinitis was granted, while right ear hearing loss and bilateral dermatitis of the feet were denied. The PTSD rating remained at 50 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a skin condition and bilateral hearing loss, as there was no evidence to support that these conditions were related to his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss and a lung disorder, as there was no evidence of current disability or a link to service.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss, as well as service connection for a skin disability, were denied. The 10 percent rating for tinnitus is the maximum schedular rating available, and there was no evidence of a compensable evaluation for the hearing loss or that the skin condition was related to service.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, while severe, do not require regular aid and attendance or render him housebound.

The veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection claims related to bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, essential hypertension with coronary stenosis, neuropathy, left ankle arthritis, right ankle arthritis, left wrist arthritis, left foot arthritis, right foot arthritis, arthritis of the back, left knee arthritis, right knee arthritis, headaches, and loss of part of the stomach and large intestines.

The veteran is not entitled to an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for pes planus, right foot.

The Board denied a compensable rating for left ear hearing loss prior to March 23, 2006 and bilateral hearing loss from that date.

The veteran is unable to obtain and/or maintain substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability, and that the evidence of record is sufficient to establish entitlement to service connection for that disability.

The veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied due to the lack of a current diagnosis, and his initial evaluation for bilateral hearing loss disability was also denied as no more than level I and II hearing acuity were shown.