Hearing loss Board decisions

The veteran's TDIU claim is granted as his combined disability rating of 70% meets the criteria for a TDIU rating due to unemployability caused by his service-connected conditions.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss, which was previously denied in September 1997.

The veteran's claim for a compensable disability evaluation for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and ensuring compliance with VCAA notice requirements.

The Board found that the veteran's current hearing impairment is more likely due to post-service noise exposure, and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, concluding that there was no evidence linking his current hearing impairment to his military service.

The veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the unavailability of his service medical records and the need for a VA examination.

The VA determined that the veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss does not warrant a compensable rating.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss in both ears, but denied reopening of the claim for right ear hearing loss due to lack of new and material evidence. The case is remanded for further development.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for hearing loss in the right ear due to new and material evidence. The initial evaluation for diabetes mellitus remains at 10%.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for a stomach disorder and psychiatric disorder due to potential need for further medical examination.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the May 28, 2002 filing was his first valid claim after final decisions in 1982 and 1989.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The VA found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating for otitis media, granted a separate 10 percent rating for tinnitus as of June 10, 1999, and denied compensation for bilateral conductive hearing loss. The veteran's right knee arthrotomy residuals were rated appropriately.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a disability manifested by musculoskeletal chest wall pain or hearing loss in the right ear related to military service and therefore, denied his claims for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, a rating in excess of 30 percent for hypertensive heart disease, a compensable original disability rating for bilateral hearing loss, and an original disability rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus. The appeals were based on direct service connection.

The veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 and proper notification regarding reductions in disability ratings. The issues on appeal include entitlement to a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, as well as reduction from 10 percent to noncompensable.

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

The Board denied the veteran's request for an earlier effective date of May 29, 2002 for a 40 percent rating for bilateral hearing loss. The RO assigned this effective date based on the first date that objectively established entitlement to such a rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss began during his active service and is related to loud noise exposure. As a result, the Board granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss.

The VA determined that the veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss does not warrant a compensable rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and asbestosis, finding no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his military service.