Hearing loss Board decisions

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected hypertension and bilateral hearing loss were denied as he failed to report for a scheduled VA examination, and the evidence did not support higher ratings.

The veteran withdrew his appeals for all issues on appeal, including service connection claims and evaluations.

The veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and a rating in excess of 20 percent for low back disability are denied. The Board found that the veteran did not have a pre-existing left ear hearing loss disability, and his right ear hearing loss is not related to service. For the low back disability, there was no evidence of ankylosing spondylitis during service or in the first post-service year, and the current condition does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent.

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

The Board has determined that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to noise exposure during his service. The claim for hepatitis C is remanded due to unclear etiology.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for service connection and increased ratings for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus. The issues are now referred to the RO for further action.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed disabilities are not proximately due to VA carelessness, negligence, lack of proper skill, error in judgment, or similar instance of fault on the part of VA. The appeals for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 have been denied.

The Board denied a claim for an increased rating for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, finding that the most recent examination results did not support a higher rating than the initial 10 percent assigned in May 2002.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied, but he received a grant of a higher rating for PTSD prior to April 14, 2004. The claim for an increased rating for PTSD after that date remains pending.,A disability rating in excess of 10 percent is granted for PTSD from April 14, 2004 onwards.

The veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding no evidence linking these conditions to the veteran's military service. The right knee disability remains on appeal.

The VA determined that the veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss does not warrant a compensable evaluation.

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

The veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the submission of additional medical evidence. The RO will review this new evidence and issue a Supplemental Statement of the Case (SSOC).

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

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a right hand injury, hearing loss, and a left leg disorder manifested by a scar other than a left knee disability. The preponderance of evidence is against finding that any current disabilities are related to service.

The Board found that a compensable rating is not warranted for the service-connected bilateral hearing loss prior to November 22, 1999. For the period from November 22, 1999 onwards, a rating in excess of 10 percent was also denied.

The Board denied service connection for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss, finding that the evidence did not support a nexus between these conditions and service. The only competent medical opinion was against the veteran's claims.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person or housebound status.

The Board found no evidence to support the veteran's claim that his bilateral hearing loss is related to his military service, and thus denied the claim.