Hearing loss Board decisions

The Board denied a compensable evaluation for the appellant's bilateral hearing loss disability and denied entitlement to a total rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not warrant a compensable disability rating, as his current hearing impairment is rated at zero percent.

The VA denied an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the veteran's current level of hearing impairment does not warrant a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his active military service, granting service connection for both conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and arranging a VA audiological examination to determine if the veteran currently has hearing loss and/or tinnitus related to service.

The Board found that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability was not incurred in or aggravated by service, and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability is reopened and granted. However, the issue of service connection for right ear hearing loss disability remains pending as it was not addressed in the original decision.

The Board has denied the veteran's request for an earlier effective date of October 1, 2003 for the grant of service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The claim was reopened and granted in March 2004 with a 10% disability rating.

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

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for a videoconference hearing at the RO in Washington, DC. The case will be processed according to established procedures.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease with atrial fibrillation and amputation of the left thigh, have resulted in a level of incapacity consistent with loss of use of his right foot. The Board has determined that he is entitled to special monthly compensation based on loss of use of the right foot.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the claim was not filed until May 2002 and thus the earliest possible effective date is May 17, 2002.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding no evidence of a link between his current hearing impairment and his military service.

The veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated at 10 percent effective December 6, 2002. The right ear perforated tympanic membrane with associated hearing loss remains at zero percent.

The VA has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability does not warrant a compensable evaluation.

The Board found that the veteran's death was due to sepsis, caused by biliary sclerosis, as a consequence of a liver transplant. The service-connected conditions did not cause or contribute substantially or materially to his death.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The RO assigned noncompensable evaluations to all three conditions.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disorder, skin rash, hearing loss, and tinnitus as secondary to or aggravated by PTSD. The claim of service connection for arthritis in the left shoulder is also denied.

The veteran's claim of entitlement to special monthly compensation based on housebound status or the need for regular aid and attendance has been remanded due to deficiencies in notification.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining information about his exposure to noise during service and arranging for a psychiatric examination.