Hearing loss decisions — 2016

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are service-connected, while diabetes mellitus (type II), peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities are not. The Board finds that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether these conditions had their onset during service or are otherwise etiologically related.

The Board finds that the Veteran has PTSD due to multiple traumas experienced during Vietnam, including fearing for his life and the lives of those around him. The Veteran's symptoms include nightmares, flashbacks, avoidance of reminders of the trauma, emotional numbing, anger and irritability, sleep disturbance, an exaggerated startle response, and hypervigilance.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is as likely the result of noise exposure in service, and thus grants service connection for tinnitus. The issue of bilateral hearing loss remains pending.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal on all issues related to bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, PTSD, and a sleep disorder prior to the Board's decision.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as any relevant VA treatment records. The case will be remanded for these purposes.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his inability to attend the scheduled hearing. His claims for service connection for bilateral foot disability, bilateral hearing loss, and head disability are still pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional information regarding his employment as a consultant to determine if it qualifies as marginal employment, which could affect the determination of TDIU.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and extent of the Veteran's combat service, as well as any relationship between his current hearing loss and tinnitus and his active service. The case will be remanded for these purposes.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and the need to obtain outstanding VA treatment records.

The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of bilateral hearing loss for VA purposes and the evidence fails to link this condition to service.

The Board has granted the service connection claim for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current disability is related to in-service acoustic trauma. The issue of bilateral hearing loss remains pending and will be remanded.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for right ear hearing loss. The issue of an increased rating for unspecified trauma and stressor-related disorder remains pending.

The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD with bipolar disorder was granted, and an initial disability rating of 70 percent was assigned.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, now diagnosed as Generalized Anxiety Disorder, was not shown to be incurred in or aggravated by service. Bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were also not shown to be related to service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before the underlying claims can be adjudicated on the merits.

The Veteran's hearing impairment is no worse than level II in either ear, which corresponds to a noncompensable disability rating. The Board finds that the current ratings are adequate and does not warrant an extra-schedular evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability does not warrant an initial compensable rating as his audiometric testing results do not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's death on November 22, 2013 was due to atherosclerotic heart disease with hypertension. The appellant did not seek prior authorization from VA for the non-transport emergency services provided at his home. Therefore, reimbursement is denied.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of bilateral hearing loss for VA purposes and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's hearing loss is rated as noncompensable, with no evidence of exceptional factors such as frequent hospitalization or marked interference with employment.