Hearing loss decisions — 2016

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss disability does not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status. The Board finds that he is competent to manage his financial affairs.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are found to be related to in-service noise exposure, including combat-related acoustic trauma. The Board grants service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and left foot condition are service-connected. However, further development is needed to address his claim for residuals of a pelvic fracture, including lower back condition.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is found to be as likely as not related to his active service, including in-service noise exposure. The other issues are addressed but the decision summary does not specify outcomes for gout, eye disability, diabetes mellitus, and acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is not related to his active service, and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was evaluated as 10 percent disabling since October 17, 2005. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for any period of time.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lung disability was not incurred during active duty service and is not related to presumed exposure to Agent Orange or any other exposure. As such, service connection for a lung disability is denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability was not incurred in or aggravated during service and is not related to service. The VA audiological examinations did not show a causal relationship between the Veteran's service and his hearing loss.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, right shoulder disability, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder were denied. The claim for a compensable rating for residuals of a right fourth metacarpal fracture was also denied. Service connection was granted for an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include major depressive disorder and an adjustment disorder).

The Veteran's increased rating for bilateral hearing loss disability from May 16, 2015, is granted and rated at 30 percent.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of hearing loss in either ear as defined by VA regulations during or prior to the appellate period, and therefore denied his claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has granted service connection for neck and back disabilities, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether these conditions are related to military service. The remaining claims have been remanded for additional development.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to in-service noise exposure. The Veteran's claims are being returned for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left ear tinnitus is related to service, and thus grants service connection for this condition. The claim for bilateral hearing loss disability remains pending.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and erectile dysfunction. The decision is based on direct service connection as there was no evidence of a presumptive exposure or secondary service connection due to diabetes.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining relevant medical records and arranging for a VA examination.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, including a lack of recent audiometric testing and an incomplete medical history review.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss are service-connected, with the exception of the issue regarding bilateral hearing loss which is being remanded for additional development.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is not related to his military service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities combine to render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, and his TDIU claim is granted from January 12, 2010.