Hearing loss Board decisions

The veteran's appeal for higher ratings for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus was denied. The RO found that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral hearing loss, and there is no legal basis for separate 10 percent evaluations for bilateral tinnitus.

The veteran's cervical spine disorder and hearing loss were not shown to be related to service. The residuals of a head injury claim was also denied.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss did not warrant a higher disability rating, as it was at most Level II in both ears.

The veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss disability was denied by the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was not received to reopen the veteran's claims for service connection for a contusion of the right lower leg and bilateral hearing loss. As such, these claims are denied.

The Board found that the veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus are not attributable to his military service, as there is no evidence of a chronic condition during or within one year after service. The VA audiologist concluded that the veteran's current hearing loss and tinnitus were not due to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to the need for a VA examination and further review of the veteran's claims.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of a right eye injury and hearing loss in the right ear, finding no competent medical evidence associating these conditions to military service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, a skin condition, and peripheral neuropathy as there is no current diagnosis of these conditions and they are not related to service or presumed exposure to herbicides.

The RO granted a TDIU effective October 10, 1996 based on the veteran's combined rating of 70% due to his service-connected disabilities. However, an earlier effective date is denied as the veteran did not meet the schedular criteria for a TDIU prior to this date.

The veteran's claim for increased ratings for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus was denied. He is currently receiving a maximum noncompensable rating for both conditions.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating for service-connected bilateral hearing loss and denied his claim for service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder due to lack of evidence supporting these claims.

The Board has determined that there is no current evidence of a right shoulder disability, rib disability, or right ear hearing loss disability. Therefore, service connection for these conditions cannot be granted.

The veteran's claim for increased ratings was denied. The RO found that the veteran did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss, separate evaluations of 10 percent for scars on the right leg and lateral leg extending onto the buttock, or an evaluation in excess of 30 percent for postoperative residuals of right femur fracture with hip disability and shortening of the leg.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that he was already receiving the maximum disability rating available under the applicable regulations.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and an increased evaluation for his bilateral hearing loss. The veteran was granted a 20% rating for his hearing loss effective from April 9, 2004.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current hearing loss and cardiovascular disorders are related to his service-connected rheumatic fever, which is presumed due to exposure during active duty.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for arthritis, an ear disorder (including nasopharyngitis and right septal deflection), and bilateral hearing loss. The evidence did not establish a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Board found that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is not attributable to service and was not manifest within one year of his separation from service. As such, it denied the claim for service connection.

The Board has dismissed the appeal for service connection of hearing loss due to the veteran's withdrawal of his appeals.