Hearing loss decisions — 2015

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has rendered him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment, thus meeting the criteria for a TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a VA audiological examination to assess the current severity of his bilateral hearing loss and its impact on his occupational functioning and daily activities. The initial rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss remains noncompensable.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development to ensure that his hearing loss disability is properly evaluated and any additional treatment records are obtained.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss. However, the preponderance of the evidence is against finding a current disability related to military service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD has been granted, with a current rating of 50 percent. The evidence shows moderate symptoms and impairment in social functioning.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss disability alone does not render him unemployable, as he would be able to obtain and sustain substantially gainful employment with accommodations for his hearing impairment.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has not been shown to be severe enough to warrant a compensable disability rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus did not begin during service, are not related to in-service noise exposure, or are otherwise related to service. As a result, the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been denied.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss disability was found to not warrant a compensable rating prior to May 12, 2012 and a rating greater than 20 percent from that date. The Board denied the claims for increased ratings.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, thus the Board does not have appellate jurisdiction to review these claims.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance or at the housebound rate was denied as he does not meet the criteria due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that his current hearing loss did not develop as a result of any incident during his service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial disability rating for bilateral hearing loss was granted, and the effective date of his compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence is set to April 22, 2010.

The Board found that the Veteran did not have chronic or continuous hearing loss symptoms in active service, and there is no evidence of a current bilateral hearing loss disability related to his military service. The claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain an audiological examination and updated treatment records, as well as to provide etiology opinions regarding the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss was not incurred during service and is not related to in-service noise exposure. The Board finds the preponderance of evidence against the claim.

The Board has granted service connection for migraine headaches, bilateral knee disability, back disability, and bilateral hearing loss. The claim for right leg disability is denied.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial compensable rating for hearing loss has been withdrawn, resulting in the dismissal of his appeal.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and bilateral foot disorder (Plantar Fasciitis, Pes Planus) have been granted. The effective date is not specified as the claim was initially filed in October 2005.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, but further development is needed before a final decision can be made.