Hearing loss decisions — 2015

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD with major depressive disorder, coronary artery disease, and other conditions, have rendered him unable to perform his activities of daily living without regular assistance from another person. The Board has granted special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran is granted a TDIU effective October 20, 2008. The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from securing and following substantially gainful employment as of October 20, 2008.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, right hip disability, and tinnitus. The evidence does not support a finding of in-service injury or disease related to these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new audiological examination to assess his current level of bilateral hearing loss.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and for a higher initial rating for prostate cancer, finding that his current conditions were not incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Veteran's service connection claim for bilateral hearing loss is granted, as the evidence supports a finding that his current hearing loss disability is at least as likely as not related to in-service noise exposure. The claims for neck and knee disabilities, as well as the request for an initial compensable rating for hemorrhoids, are pending.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at least a 30 percent prior to November 17, 2012 and in excess of 50 percent on and after that date. The TDIU issue is also addressed.

The Board found that the evidence submitted since the April 2009 rating decision is not new and material, and therefore, it did not warrant reopening the claims of service connection for left ear hearing loss, right ear hearing loss, or tinnitus.

The Board has remanded the case due to a request for a Travel Board hearing and other necessary actions.

The Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to fully satisfy VA's duty to assist the Veteran with evidence supporting his claims for service connection for a jaw disability and right ear hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have hearing loss or tinnitus that is attributable to active military service. The VA examiner concluded that the current disability was less likely as not related to the Veteran's period of military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the cause of the Veteran's death, including autopsy results and police reports. The appellant must provide additional evidence for a determination on her claim.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to fully and fairly consider the Veteran's claims, including obtaining medical opinions regarding his hearing loss, tinnitus, and psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's service-connected traumatic brain injury is rated at 70 percent, effective August 4, 2010. The Board granted a TDIU based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a diagnosed cardiac disability, left ear hearing loss, or disabilities manifested by headaches, arthralgias and body joint popping. The examiner found no medical nexus between these conditions and his inservice complaints.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a back disability to include degenerative disc disease due to new evidence and development being required.

The Veteran's representative withdrew the appeal for a higher initial compensable rating for service-connected bilateral hearing loss disability.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals on all issues related to service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, right ankle disability, and retinal lesion.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and considering an extraschedular rating due to functional limitations related to hearing loss. The case will be returned to the Board for further consideration.