Hearing loss Board decisions

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding that his bilateral hearing loss warranted a noncompensable evaluation. The other issues were not addressed due to pending appeals.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss warrants a rating of 40 percent, effective from March 10, 2005.

The veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Board found no evidence of a nexus between the veteran's current left ear hearing loss and his service, as the medical opinion was that it is more likely related to presbycusis (hearing loss due to aging). The claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss is therefore denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right ear hearing loss does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under VA's schedular guidelines.

The veteran's bilateral hearing loss has been rated at 60% since September 24, 2003.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support an increased evaluation for bilateral hearing loss or a separate evaluation of sciatica as a neurological component of traumatic degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, nor did it support service connection for right and left leg disorders.

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The Board has granted a 20 percent evaluation for the veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss, effective June 28, 2002.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and a schedular evaluation in excess of 10 percent for bilateral tinnitus, finding that there is no legal basis to award separate ratings for each ear for tinnitus.

The veteran's appeal for increased ratings for bilateral tinnitus and hearing loss disability was denied as there is no legal basis for the assignment of a schedular evaluation in excess of 10 percent for bilateral tinnitus, and the criteria for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss disability have not been met.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, is rated at 40 percent. Right ear hearing loss was found to be incurred in service. Left ear hearing loss was not found to be incurred or aggravated by service.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that it is at least as likely as not attributable to the veteran's service-connected left ear hearing loss. The remaining issues on appeal are being remanded for additional development.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of bilateral hearing loss or shoulder disorders, and therefore service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred or aggravated by his military service, as there is no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his active duty. The VA examination report concluded that the veteran's hearing loss was not related to his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased rating for diabetes mellitus, did not reopen his claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to lack of new and material evidence, and found that tinnitus was not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for left ear conditions, but finds that there is no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to his active service.

The case is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA audiological and ear examinations to assess the veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability and a VA psychiatric examination to determine the severity of his service-connected PTSD. The RO will then readjudicate the issues on appeal.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for a higher initial rating for left ear hearing loss and his petition to reopen the claim for service connection for right ear hearing loss. The RO is instructed to provide proper VCAA notice, obtain all relevant records, arrange for an appropriate VA examination, and adjudicate the claims in light of all pertinent evidence.

The Board found that the veteran's right ear hearing loss is related to service exposure, while his left ear hearing loss was not incurred in service.