Hearing loss decisions — 2016

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including COPD and back disorders, have rendered her unable to maintain substantially gainful employment consistent with her education and occupational background.

The Veteran's tinnitus, obstructive sleep apnea, and erectile dysfunction are all found to have their onset in service. The Board has granted service connection for these conditions.,Service connection is also granted for the Veteran's right and left knee disorders as secondary to his service-connected back disability.

The Veteran's hearing loss has been rated as noncompensable, and the Board finds that an initial compensable rating is not warranted based on the objective audiometric testing results.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus meet the schedular requirements for TDIU due to their combined effect on his ability to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran does not have a diagnosis of PTSD and her major depressive disorder is not service-connected.,Bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and scars (bilateral knee) are not service-connected.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral sensorineural hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable, with no distinct periods of time during the appeal period when a compensable rating would be warranted.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in slight impairment of social and occupational functioning prior to November 19, 2011. From November 19, 2011 to May 20, 2015, the disability was manifested by chronic sleep disturbance, anxiety, and irritability which most nearly approximated occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks. Since May 21, 2015, the PTSD has not resulted in total occupational and social impairment due to gross impairment in thought processes or communication; persistent delusions or hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting self or others; intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living; disorientation to time or place; or memory loss for names of close relatives, own occupation or own name. The Veteran has a current bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus that are consistent with in-service noise exposure.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate reasons and bases in its decision denying service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran is requested to provide information about any private or VA providers who have treated his hearing loss since October 2014, and a VA audiological examination will be scheduled.

The Veteran's service-connected chronic otitis media with tympanic membrane perforation and hearing loss in the right ear are currently rated at their maximum schedular ratings, and thus no higher rating is warranted.

The Board granted service connection for right ear hearing loss disability, finding that the Veteran had at least three decibel losses of 26 or greater at specific frequencies during service and resolving all doubts in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal for an increased disability rating for bilateral hearing loss. As a result, the issue is dismissed.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal regarding the issues of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss, a respiratory disorder, and a TDIU.

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

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a videoconference hearing. The issues of service connection and compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 are still pending.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are found to be at least as likely as not related to service, with the Board granting service connection for both conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hearing loss was denied because his audiometric testing results consistently showed normal hearing in both ears, meeting the criteria for disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for a dental condition for compensation purposes, and his claims of increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and right shoulder disability are denied.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been granted a 10% rating since August 21, 2014.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his service, including exposure to loud noises during military service. As such, the claims for service connection have been granted.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD from February 17, 2012. The Veteran's claim for tinnitus is presumed to have been incurred in service as it manifested within one year of separation and he served in Vietnam. Service connection for right ear hearing loss is denied due to lack of evidence of a current disability. Service connection for left ear hearing loss is granted with an initial rating of 70 percent.