Hearing loss decisions — 2015

The Veteran does not have a current hearing loss disability for VA purposes in either ear, and the evidence is against finding that his tinnitus began during service or is related to service. The Board finds no basis for granting service connection.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss has been withdrawn.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are denied. The claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD is remanded.

The Board is remanding the case for scheduling a Travel Board hearing before a Veterans Law Judge.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for medical examinations to address his claims of service connection for various conditions. The issues remain in a state of pending resolution.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The case will be returned to the AOJ for further action.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn for the issues of entitlement to service connection for a cervical spine injury and right ear hearing loss.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression has been rated at 70 percent since August 19, 2014. The rating is based on the severity of symptoms and occupational/social impairment.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Video Conference hearing due to his failure to report for the scheduled hearing. The issues of service connection for various conditions are still pending.

The Veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection, and he is entitled to SMC based on the need for aid and attendance due to his spine fusion.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and additional development of his claims file.

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

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is found to be related to his active duty service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's right chronic otitis media with tympanic membrane perforation and right ear hearing loss are rated at a 10 percent level prior to November 21, 2012.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is rated at 50 percent, and he meets the schedular criteria for a TDIU. The Board has granted a TDIU as his service-connected disabilities preclude him from engaging in substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to verify periods of service, obtain pertinent medical records, and provide a VA audiological examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his mood disorder and multiple spine and nerve conditions, have rendered him unable to maintain substantially gainful employment since September 14, 2010. A total rating for compensation purposes based on individual unemployability is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for brain cancer (GBM) and dismissed the appeal regarding bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's brain cancer is found to be at least as likely as not caused by his exposure to herbicides during service.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not cause or contribute substantially to his death due to COPD, prostate cancer, and chronic kidney disease. The examiner concluded that these conditions were less likely related to military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back disorder did not manifest in service or within one year of discharge and is unrelated to service. Therefore, service connection for a back disorder is denied.