Hearing loss Board decisions

The Board denied the appellant's claim of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that his current hearing loss does not meet the regulatory requirements for establishing a 'disability' at the time of separation from service.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have a current hearing loss disability in either ear or a back disability, and therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss did not warrant a compensable rating prior to January 8, 2005 and a rating in excess of 20 percent from that date. The medical evidence did not support these higher ratings.

The veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is granted, as the evidence shows that he had a mastoid operation in service and his current hearing loss may be related to this event.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, disciform maculopathy, degenerative joint disease of the hands, and degenerative joint disease of the lumbosacral spine. The claim for irritable bowel syndrome was also denied as it is not due to or proximately caused by his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have hearing loss related to his military service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus do not warrant a higher rating, as they are currently rated at 10 percent each under Diagnostic Code 6100.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss does not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating based on VA audiological examination findings.

The Board denied service connection for tinnitus and found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The veteran's burn scars of the left hand were also denied an increased rating.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that new and material evidence was submitted. The claim for right ear hearing loss is granted as it had its onset during service. The claim for tinnitus is not granted as there is no evidence linking it to service. The rating for shrapnel wound scar on mandible with retained foreign body remains at 10 percent, and the veteran's service-connected hemorrhoids are rated noncompensably disabling.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss and wrist disabilities, finding that he was not entitled to a compensable rating for his hearing loss or an increased rating for his wrist disabilities.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss disability did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation, and thus denied his claim.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability and an initial noncompensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss. The veteran's current hearing loss is manifested by Level II hearing in the right ear and Level I hearing in the left ear.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the veteran's service connection claims, including VA medical examinations and opinions regarding his heart disorder and right little finger fracture.

The veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disability, hearing loss, and tinnitus are being remanded due to the need to verify her periods of military service and obtain medical examinations.

The appeal is remanded for lack of compliance by the RO with requirements of the Veterans Claims Assistance Act (VCAA).

The Board has determined that the veteran's initial compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss is denied as his hearing acuity does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board found no evidence of hearing loss during service and insufficient medical evidence to link current bilateral hearing loss to service. Therefore, the claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his bilateral hearing loss, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on current audiometric test results.

The Board found that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss, as manifested by Level VII hearing in both ears, warranted a 40 percent disability rating and denied his claim for an increased rating.