Hearing loss Board decisions

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The noncompensable disability rating for left ear hearing loss is upheld, as the evidence does not indicate a more severe impairment than what was previously established. The scar on the left index finger also warrants a noncompensable rating due to its superficial nature and lack of significant functional impact. Service connection for numbness of three fingers on the left hand cannot be granted as there is no competent medical evidence indicating such a condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there was no evidence of hearing loss during or within one year after his military service. The VA examiner concluded that the current hearing loss is more likely due to occupational noise exposure rather than military service.

The VA determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not warrant a compensable rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have current hearing loss or tinnitus that is causally related to his military service and thus denied both claims for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability related to service. The claim for tinnitus was granted but with a maximum rating.

The Board has reopened the veteran's previously denied claim of service connection for hearing loss and granted it, finding that the evidence supports a direct relationship between the veteran's military service as a cannon gunner and his current bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss and bilateral tinnitus are denied as there is no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and active military service.

The veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is attributed to noise exposure during service, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss, finding that the evidence did not show that his condition warranted a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is not related to his service, and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The veteran seeks an increased rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss, which is currently rated at 20 percent. The RO has ordered a remand due to the need for a new VA medical examination and additional notification requirements.

The veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus are being remanded due to incomplete records, including missing Reserve service medical records. The Board will attempt to obtain these records and schedule the veteran for an audiological examination to determine if his current hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service.

The Board has determined that no new and material evidence has been received to reopen the veteran's previously denied claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss (claimed as bilateral hearing condition).

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss does not warrant an evaluation in excess of 10 percent.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for his bilateral hearing loss has been denied by the RO. The Board finds that further development is needed to ensure an accurate evaluation of his current condition.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was not received to reopen the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, broken ribs on the right side, and heat stroke. The appellant's claim remains denied.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for a videoconference hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals. The issues include service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, and degenerative joint disease of the right knee, as well as reopening a claim for degenerative joint disease of the left thumb.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have current diagnoses of bilateral hearing loss or tinnitus, and thus cannot establish service connection for these conditions.

The Board has denied the veteran's request to reopen his claim of entitlement to service connection for left ear hearing loss disability, finding that new and material evidence was not submitted.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of injuries to the knees in September 2004. The veteran presented new evidence, but it did not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim.,The VA found that the veteran's hearing loss does not meet criteria for a higher than 10 percent rating.