Hearing loss Board decisions

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for his hearing loss disability in the left ear was denied. However, he received a compensable (10%) rating for his residuals of toxoplasmosis infection affecting both eyes.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current disability of bilateral hearing loss, and there is no evidence to support a nexus between his military service and this condition. As such, the claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The veteran's appeal involves multiple issues related to his service-connected conditions, including a rating for lumbosacral strain and hearing loss. The RO must review the additional evidence received since June 2003, consider the revised criteria for rating spine disorders and skin disorders, arrange for VA examinations to assess the current severity of these conditions, and readjudicate the claims.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before the case can be adjudicated, including obtaining medical records from a previous employer and providing notice of the VCAA requirements.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current disability for which service connection can be granted, specifically bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The dental injury claim is pending as additional evidence and examination are needed to determine if it was aggravated by service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected hearing loss in his right ear does not warrant a compensable evaluation, as it is rated at level I under VA rating criteria.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development and consideration, including compliance with VCAA requirements.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disorder and an increased rating for his left knee disorder. The veteran is not entitled to service connection for these conditions, as there is no evidence linking them to his active duty service. For the left knee disorder, the Board found that the current 10% evaluation adequately compensates him for his symptoms.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The claim will now be reviewed on its merits.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for hearing loss as her current auditory thresholds do not meet the criteria for a disability under VA regulations.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection of hearing loss due to new and material evidence, finding that his pre-existing ear problems were aggravated by service.

The Board found that the veteran's claimed conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, headaches, sinusitis, and respiratory disability, were not incurred or aggravated by service. The VA examiners concluded that these conditions are not related to his military noise exposure.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred or aggravated by his active service, nor are they related to any period of service. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions began during service or within one year thereafter.

The Board found no evidence of in-service noise exposure or a current bilateral hearing loss disability related to service. The veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is attributed to occupational and age-related factors.

The VA has remanded the case due to inadequate VCAA notice and needs to provide proper notification before making a decision on the initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hearing loss does not warrant a compensable rating, as his hearing impairment is currently rated at noncompensable.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is found to be due to noise exposure during his period of active service, warranting service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his military service, as there is no evidence of hearing loss during service or within the presumptive period following discharge. The VA examiner concluded that the current hearing loss is not likely due to the veteran's military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to service exposure, resulting in a grant of service connection for both conditions.