Hearing loss decisions — 2016

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (PTSD, right shoulder impingement syndrome, tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, and right deltoid scar) render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to concerns about the validity of audiometric testing and the need to determine if a hearing loss disability is present.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to care for his daily needs without requiring the regular aid and attendance of another person. Therefore, he is not entitled to special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

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

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus began in service and is related to noise exposure, resulting in a grant of service connection for tinnitus. The hearing loss claim remains pending as it was not resolved in this decision.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals regarding her claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and headaches, as well as her claim for an increased rating for residuals of a right ear injury. The effective date for the grant of Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits was granted but not earlier than June 26, 2015.

The Veteran's respiratory disability, asbestosis, is service-connected. Effective October 4, 2012, the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities are met.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not require regular aid and attendance or render him housebound, thus denying his claim for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, tinnitus, and left ear hearing loss. The right ear hearing loss claim is remanded due to conflicting evidence.

The Board has dismissed the appeal of the claim of entitlement to service connection for a right knee disability. The Veteran's appeal regarding an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and granted a 60 percent disability rating. The other issues remain pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lung disability, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus are not service-connected due to lack of evidence supporting in-service exposure or a link between current conditions and service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examination and treatment records. The case will be reconsidered after these are obtained.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA and non-VA records, arranging for a VA pension examination, and explaining whether SSA records show that the Veteran's disabilities prevent him from working.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his active service, as there is no evidence of in-service injury or disease. The Veteran's pre-existing hearing loss was not aggravated by service, and he did not have a current disability for which service connection could be granted.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, but the issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and right/left foot disorders remain pending. The Veteran's in-service noise exposure is conceded.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus do not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain VA and private treatment records, service personnel records, and examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed disabilities.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to fully and fairly consider the appellant's claims for service connection. This includes obtaining relevant private treatment records, verifying her duty status during alleged in-service events, and scheduling VA examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is related to his active service, while bilateral hearing loss disability was not shown during or within one year after service and is not linked to service. The claim for tinnitus is granted, but the claim for bilateral hearing loss disability is denied.