Hearing loss decisions — 2012

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine if his current bilateral hearing loss disability is related to service.

Service connection granted for PTSD with an initial evaluation of 50 percent and effective from November 19, 2007. Effective dates denied for tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, and erectile dysfunction.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his active duty service, granting his claims for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for clarification of audiometric test results and further development regarding his right ear hearing loss claim.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. Resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran, it is as likely as not that his current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional VA medical records pertaining to his bilateral hearing loss. His claim for an increased rating remains pending.

The Veteran's service connection claim for bilateral hearing loss is granted as the evidence shows he was exposed to noise during service, had defective hearing at separation, and has current hearing loss. The Board finds that his symptoms are related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is related to his period of service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance is being remanded to obtain additional medical evidence, including records from his attending physician and Social Security Administration (SSA) disability benefits determination. The VA will also schedule a specialized examination to determine if the Veteran requires regular aid and attendance.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and granted it. The Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is presumed to have been incurred in service due to exposure to noise during his period of active duty, which falls under the Gulf War presumption.

The Board found that the Veteran's Notice of Disagreement (NOD) was not timely filed, and thus denied his appeal for service connection for bipolar disorder, low back disorder, and hearing loss.

The Board finds that the Veteran's service-connected orthopedic disabilities have met the schedular criteria for TDIU throughout the pendency of this appeal, and therefore grants entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been denied as there is no competent evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's appeals for higher disability ratings for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and residuals of a shrapnel wound to the right side of the neck have been withdrawn. The Veteran also withdrew his request to reopen his previously denied service-connection claim for pes planus.,The Veteran's appeal regarding an effective date earlier than February 25, 2008 for the assignment of a 20 percent disability rating for bilateral hearing loss remains pending.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus was granted, as it is at least as likely as not incurred in service due to noise exposure. The claims for higher initial ratings for PTSD and bilateral hearing loss are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic bilateral hearing loss disability and denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (other than PTSD). The Veteran's adjustment disorder with anxiety is currently in effect.

The Veteran's left foot disorder, thoracolumbar spine disorder, right ear hearing loss disability, and left ear hearing loss disability are all found to be incurred in service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain updated audiological examination results and determine the current levels of impairment for his right ear hearing loss and left ear hearing loss disability. The Veteran also requested a retest due to worsening in both ears, which has led to the need for further evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for an increased initial rating for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for updated VA treatment records and a new VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is related to his in-service noise exposure, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.