Hearing loss decisions — 2016

The Veteran's bilateral sensorineural hearing loss has been rated as noncompensable since September 14, 2010. The VA audiometric evaluations have consistently shown Level I or Level VI hearing in both ears, resulting in a noncompensable rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and acquired psychiatric disorder (including generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder) are related to his service-connected tinnitus. As a result, these claims have been granted.

The Veteran was still gainfully employed prior to June 1, 2009 and thus is not entitled to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability for that period.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for service connection of low back disability, left lower extremity numbness, right lower extremity numbness, and left upper extremity numbness. The initial evaluation for fracture of the right little finger was granted with a 10% rating. Service connection for TBI prior to October 23, 2008, and PTSD since that date were both granted with increased ratings. Finding of total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) was granted prior to December 20, 2010. Special monthly compensation based on statutory housebound status (SMC/HB) was granted.

The Veteran's appeals of the claims for service connection for hearing loss, left ankle disability, and tinnitus are being remanded to allow scheduling a Travel Board hearing.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability during or after service, and attributing any current conditions to post-service noise exposure.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a clarifying medical opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability was not incurred in service and is not otherwise related to service. The competent medical evidence does not link the in-service noise exposure to the subsequently diagnosed bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining an addendum medical opinion regarding the Veteran's hearing loss and perforated eardrums. The claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability is being considered, as well as whether new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen a previously denied claim of residuals of perforated eardrums.

The Veteran's neurological impairment of the bilateral upper extremities, diagnosed as an essential tremor, is found to be secondary to service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of bilateral hearing loss or chronic sleep disability. Service connection for these conditions is therefore denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain an examination and additional treatment records, as well as to attempt scheduling the Veteran for a VA medical examination. The case will be readjudicated after these actions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss, a left knee disability, and a right knee disability. The claim for service connection for a low back disability was also denied.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current disability for which service connection can be granted, specifically bilateral hearing loss, left ear pain, and vertigo. The evidence did not establish these conditions as being related to service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD renders him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board finds that his TDIU claim is granted.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability has been rated as noncompensable, but he is entitled to a TDIU from August 4, 2012.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has not met the criteria for a compensable rating under VA disability evaluation guidelines.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has been rated at 10 percent since November 17, 2011. The Board found that the current rating adequately reflects his disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating and a greater than 40 percent disabling evaluation for bilateral hearing loss, finding that his hearing did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under VA regulations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a bilateral hearing loss disability for VA purposes and therefore, service connection is denied.

The Board has remanded the claims due to an incomplete VA audiological examination. The Veteran is required to follow up with his primary care provider for ear cleaning and then request a new VA examination.