Hearing loss Board decisions

The Board denied the claim for an initial, compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss with loss of acoustic reflexes (also characterized as audio dyslexia), finding that the appellant does not have a separate, compensable rating for her neurological disease or injury to the eighth nerve.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher ratings for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, cluster headaches, chronic bronchitis, scoliosis of the lumbar spine, and tinnitus.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for left ear hearing loss and entitlement to special monthly pension (SMP) based on a need for regular aid and attendance or due to being housebound, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection.

The veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including PTSD, hypertension, tension headaches, cervical and lumbar strains, toenail fungus, neuropathy, hearing loss, tinnitus, and a finger disability, were denied. The Board found that the preponderance of evidence did not support these claims.

The Board granted a 20% rating for bilateral hearing loss disability effective January 5, 2006. The initial ratings were denied.

The veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss is being remanded to allow for further development, including scheduling of a VA audiological examination.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and facial scar as there was no evidence of a nexus between the current conditions and service, including noise exposure. The veteran's statements regarding continuity of symptoms were not sufficient to establish a link.

The veteran withdrew his appeal concerning the issues of service connection for bilateral knee condition and service connection for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including avascular necrosis of the hips and knees, a left knee disorder, low back disorder, hearing loss, tinnitus, and bilateral foot blisters. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by service.

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

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD, tinnitus, and an initial compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss. The evidence did not support a finding that the claimed stressors occurred during service or were related to service.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have current diagnoses for the claimed conditions and therefore service connection cannot be established. The hearing loss disability does not meet VA's definition of a compensable hearing loss disability.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining a VA audiometric examination and ensuring all pertinent evidence is obtained.

The Board has remanded the claims for a higher rating for diabetes mellitus, service connection for right ear hearing loss, and special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to incomplete medical records and the need for additional examinations.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left ear hearing loss does not warrant a compensable disability evaluation, as it is only service-connected and rated at level I in both ears combined.

The veteran's appeal regarding tinnitus has been withdrawn. The case is being remanded for additional development and consideration of his claim for hearing loss.

The Board has granted service connection for the veteran's multilevel lumbosacral degenerative disc disease (at levels L3-L4, L4-L5, and L5-S1) incurred during active service. The issue of left ear hearing loss is remanded to obtain a VA compensation examination that will determine the etiology of the veteran's current bilateral defective hearing.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a VA examination to determine if current hearing loss is related to military service.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the veteran's pre-existing condition did not worsen during service.

The Board has remanded the case due to procedural issues and the need for additional evidence, including a VA examination for bilateral hearing loss and residuals of shrapnel wounds.