Hearing loss decisions — 2015

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found no new and material evidence to reopen the claim for hearing loss of the right ear, and denied all other issues.

The Veteran's claim for additional dependency benefits was granted with an effective date of December 1, 1995.

The Veteran's claim for a higher level of special monthly compensation due to need for aid and attendance is being remanded as additional examination is needed to assess the extent of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence, including service personnel records and VA treatment records. The Veteran also needs a VA audiological examination to determine if his hearing loss is related to service.

The Veteran's preexisting bilateral hearing loss was not shown to have increased in severity during his period of active service, and thus he is denied service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are directly related to his military service, including exposure to noise during his time as an aircraft mechanic. As a result, the claims for service connection have been granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus are related to his military service, with doubt resolved in favor of the Veteran. The claims for service connection have been granted.

The Board has determined that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's tinnitus is the result of active duty service, and therefore grants service connection for tinnitus. The issue of bilateral hearing loss will be remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a higher initial rating of 70 percent, effective March 5, 2012. Service connection for tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, sleep apnea, migraines, back injury, and residuals of left ankle/foot injury have also been established.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is service-connected, as it was shown to have been incurred during active service with symptoms since separation.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for a VA examination and additional development of records. The Veteran's hearing loss condition is still under review.

Service connection was established for PTSD and a noncompensable rating was assigned.,A compensable rating of 50 percent for PTSD was granted effective August 31, 2010.,The Veteran's fractured 2nd toe, right foot received a noncompensable rating prior to February 12, 2013 and a 10 percent rating thereafter.,A TDIU was granted effective January 29, 2013.

The Board has determined that the Veteran was not entitled to Dependency and Indemnity Compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 due to a lack of entitlement under the law, as he did not meet the criteria for receiving such benefits.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus had its onset during service and is related to his military noise exposure. However, there is insufficient evidence linking his current bilateral hearing loss disability to service.

The Veteran's current tinnitus is related to his active duty service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition. The issue of bilateral hearing loss remains pending as a new VA examination is needed.

The Veteran's Meniere's disease with hearing loss and tinnitus increased in severity to a 100 percent rating on August 8, 2011. The effective date for this increase is set at July 20, 2012.

The Board is remanding the case to address issues related to the Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss, including whether the schedular disability ratings adequately contemplate his functional effects and need for frequent periods of hospitalization.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

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