Hearing loss Board decisions

The Board has determined that the reduction of the evaluation for bilateral hearing loss from 30 to 10 percent was proper, and denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current hearing loss was not incurred or aggravated in service and may not be presumed to have been incurred therein. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration, including obtaining additional medical evidence and arranging for a VA audiologic examination.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, increased evaluations for left ear hearing loss and otitis media of the left ear, and a 10 percent evaluation based on multiple noncompensable service-connected disabilities.

The VA has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss, which was granted service connection for in May 2001 and assigned a 30% initial rating, does not warrant an increase to a higher rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for compensation benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for residuals of a right shoulder fracture and hearing loss as a result of treatment at VA facilities in August 1997, finding that there was no evidence to support the claim.

The Board denied the veteran's motion alleging clear and unmistakable error in their July 9, 1986 decision which denied restoration of service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The veteran appealed this denial to a court, which affirmed it. As such, the prior Board decision is no longer subject to revision on grounds of CUE.

The veteran's appeal is for earlier effective dates for service connection and a total evaluation based on individual unemployability. The RO has granted these claims, but the veteran believes he should have earlier effective dates.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting an examination.

The Board found no evidence of bilateral hearing loss during or since service, and denied the veteran's claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred in or aggravated by military service.

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn before the Board could make a decision.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss disability, finding that the evidence does not support such an increase.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further investigation and examination to determine the validity of his claims for service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus.

The VA has determined that the veteran does not have current hearing loss, TMJ syndrome, or a chronic disorder manifested by shin splints as claimed.,Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The veteran's PTSD is granted and rated at 70 percent since May 7, 1998. Bilateral hearing loss is not service-connected.

The veteran's bilateral hearing loss was rated at 40 percent prior to February 26, 2002 and increased to 50 percent from February 26, 2002 to July 1, 2003. The rating for bilateral hearing loss is now 90 percent on and after July 1, 2003.,The veteran's gunshot wound residuals of the right thigh were rated at 30 percent prior to July 24, 2001 and increased to 40 percent on and after July 24, 2001.

The Board has ordered the RO to obtain medical records from Dr. Francisco B. Asuncion, Jr., and re-adjudicate all issues on appeal.

The veteran's service-connected cervical spine disability with traumatic arthritis has been granted a higher initial rating of 20 percent, effective from June 22, 2004. The right ear hearing loss and the fracture of the right fibula were not found to be related to service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are denied as there is no competent evidence of a relationship between these conditions and his military service.