Hearing loss Board decisions

The VA granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss but assigned a noncompensable (zero percent) disability rating, based on the January 2007 VA audiological examination results.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of entitlement to higher initial evaluations for left ear hearing loss and service connection for bilateral loss of visual acuity as a residual of eye injury, and pes planus. The RO previously granted service connection for left ear hearing loss but assigned a noncompensable evaluation.

The veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus was denied as there is no evidence of in-service incurrence or a positive nexus to service.,The veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left and right foot disabilities were also denied, with the Board finding that the current evaluations are adequate based on the medical evidence.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current hearing loss disability is not related to his active military service and denied service connection for this condition. The scars from tattoo removal on the left upper arm were found to be incurred during active military service.

The VA determined that the veteran does not have a current hearing loss disability for VA compensation purposes, and therefore denied his claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to a lack of available service treatment records and an opportunity for further examination.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that there was no evidence linking his current hearing loss to military service.

The Board found that the veteran's tinnitus and hearing loss are not related to his military service, as there is no evidence of a chronic disability during or within one year after service. The VA examiner opined against the veteran's claims.

The VA determined that the veteran's service medical records do not show a right ear hearing loss disability during active service or for many years thereafter, and there is no competent evidence of a nexus between a current diagnosis of right ear hearing loss and any incident of service, to include claimed in-service exposure to acoustic trauma. As such, the claim for service connection for right ear hearing loss was denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating.

The veteran's hearing acuity is currently Level II in both ears, warranting a noncompensable rating for bilateral hearing loss disability. The Board finds that the veteran does not meet criteria for a compensable initial rating.

The veteran has withdrawn all of his claims, including those for service connection and evaluations for various conditions. The appeal is dismissed.

The Board found that hearing loss was not incurred in or aggravated by service and denied the claim.

The Board denied the veteran's request for an effective date prior to July 20, 2005, for the award of a total rating for compensation purposes based on individual unemployability. The veteran had been gainfully employed since at least November 1999 and his PTSD was productive of significant occupational impairment as reflected in his current 70% schedular evaluation.

The Board has ordered the case to be remanded for additional development of evidence, including obtaining VA medical records and notifying the veteran about what evidence would be needed to reopen his service connection claims.

The Board has determined that service connection is not warranted for the claimed conditions, including arthritis of the cervical spine and hands/wrists, a right shoulder disorder, an eye disorder (including glaucoma), bilateral hearing loss, bronchiectasis, COPD with asthma, hypertension, stomach ulcers, liver sclerosis, GERD/hiatal hernia, prostate disorder, or any other condition. The veteran's claims are denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, residuals of a back, neck, and shoulder injury, an acquired psychiatric disorder, and hydrocele. The Board found no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability or a link to service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including VA examinations and additional evidence. The veteran's PTSD is rated at 30 percent disabling, while his bilateral hearing loss remains non-compensable.

The Board found no evidence of a nexus between the veteran's current bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and his military service, thus denying the claim.