Hearing loss decisions — 2016

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for various disabilities, including upper cervical strain, degenerative arthritis of the left knee, bilateral hearing loss, and several psychiatric, musculoskeletal, and respiratory conditions. The Board has ordered a remand to address these issues due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded to obtain additional medical records and provide the Veteran with proper notice.,The Veteran's claims of service connection for an ear disorder and bilateral hearing loss are being remanded to obtain VA audiological examination reports and ensure that all necessary development has been completed.,The Veteran's claim of service connection for acid reflux is being remanded to obtain a clarifying opinion regarding whether it is at least as likely as not aggravated by his PTSD and depression.,The Veteran's claims of service connection for erectile dysfunction are being remanded to obtain an addendum opinion regarding whether it is at least as likely as not directly related, secondary to, or aggravated by his service-connected conditions.,The Veteran's claim of service connection for a disability manifested by voice change is being remanded to provide the Veteran with a VA examination and determine if he has a current disability due to intubation during service.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable, and the Board finds that this rating is appropriate based on his audiometric test results.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated at 10 percent, the maximum rating available under VA regulations. The evidence does not support a higher rating.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including PTSD, diabetes mellitus, peripheral arterial disease of the lower extremities, bilateral tinnitus, hypertension, neuropathy of the lower extremities, and hearing loss, have resulted in the need for regular aid and attendance. The Board has determined that these conditions meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance.

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

The Veteran's appeal for a combined rating in excess of 20 percent for his right knee disability has been withdrawn. The case is being remanded to determine if the Veteran was unemployable due to service-connected disabilities prior to November 2009.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to insufficient development and need for additional medical opinions regarding his claimed headache disorder and left ear hearing loss.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's pre-existing conditions were aggravated by his military service. The claim for residuals of a left eye injury is dismissed as the Veteran withdrew it before the decision was made.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records and a new VA examination.

The Veteran was rendered unemployable as of May 21, 2013, solely due to his multiple service-connected disabilities and this has continued unabated since that point in time.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are rated at 80 percent, preventing him from receiving a higher rating. The Board denied his claim for TDIU as he is not shown to be unemployable due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have current bilateral hearing loss disability for VA purposes and denied service connection for tinnitus. The claim for basal cell carcinomas of the nose and forehead was reopened but continued to be denied.

The Veteran's low back disability was granted service connection as secondary to his active duty service, but the diabetes and hearing loss claims were denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus manifested to a compensable degree within one year of service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition. The claim for bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to insufficient evidence in the record.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss did not meet or approximate the criteria for a compensable initial rating under VA disability evaluation guidelines.

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

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal prior to the Board making a decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss is related to his military service and has granted service connection for this condition.