Hearing loss Board decisions

The Board has determined that the veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection as his current bilateral hearing loss did not manifest within one year of separation from service and there is no competent evidence linking his current condition to in-service noise exposure.

The veteran's appeal for increased ratings for tinnitus, right ear hearing loss, and adjustment disorder with anxious features was denied. The Board found that the maximum evaluation authorized under DC 6260 (for tinnitus) is a single 10 percent rating.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the evidence is in relative balance as to whether these conditions are related to service. The claim for increased PTSD rating remains pending.

The veteran seeks a higher rating for his service-connected folliculitis of the posterior neck and an earlier effective date. He also seeks service connection for a sinus disorder and bilateral hearing loss. The case is remanded to determine if service-connection was previously established, obtain missing records, and re-adjudicate the claims.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including an addendum opinion from the Under Secretary for Benefits or the Director, Compensation and Pension Service. The effective dates for the schedular and extraschedular ratings will be clarified.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities result in his needing assistance with activities of daily living such as transferring himself from bed to wheelchair, standing, and dressing. The Board finds that the veteran meets the criteria for aid and attendance due to his right knee disability causing poor balance and ambulation.

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

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and otitis externa.

The Board has determined that a new VA examination is needed to determine if the veteran's current hearing impairment is related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The case will be returned for further review after this examination.

The Board has granted service connection for a hematopoietic disorder, including polycythemia rubea and red cell leukemia, due to herbicide exposure. Service connection was also granted for bilateral hearing loss disability, but the examiner found it less likely than not related to service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and PTSD. The evidence did not support a current diagnosis of these conditions.

The veteran's appeal for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus was denied by the RO, with a decision in favor of the RO on both issues.

The Board found no evidence of in-service hearing loss and concluded that the veteran's current hearing loss is not related to his military service.

The veteran's appeal for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for bilateral tinnitus was denied, and his claim for an earlier effective date for service connection for hearing loss was also denied.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and denied an increased rating for PTSD. The veteran is currently receiving treatment at the Mental Health Clinic.

The VA has determined that the appellant's bilateral hearing loss disability does not warrant an evaluation in excess of ten percent.

The Board has granted a disability rating of 70 percent for the appellant's service-connected post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), finding that his symptoms warrant such an increase. The appeal regarding bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The veteran's application for enrollment in the VA health-care system was denied as he submitted his application after January 17, 2003, and is not eligible due to being in Priority Group 8.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for further development, including a VA examination to assess his employability and the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his ability to work.