Hearing loss decisions — 2017

The Veteran meets the schedular requirement for TDIU due to his service-connected PTSD and bilateral hearing loss, which render him unemployable. With reasonable doubt resolved in favor of the appellant, the criteria for entitlement to a TDIU have been met.

The Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus were not shown to be related to service, as there was no evidence of in-service noise exposure or permanent auditory damage. The VA examiners found no connection between the current conditions and service.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining audiometric test results from a previous VA audiology consult and updated treatment records.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability was rated as noncompensable, and the Board found that a compensable rating is not warranted based on the January 2012 VA examination results.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple issues related to his service-connected and non-service-connected disabilities, including hearing loss, lumbar surgery, stomach condition, GERD, migraines, memory loss, and erectile dysfunction. The case is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records, National Guard records, VA treatment records, and a new VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed because their death during the pendency of the appeal means the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this case.

The Veteran's hearing loss disability was rated as 10 percent disabling since February 13, 2017. The Veteran previously had noncompensable ratings for his bilateral hearing loss from May 29, 2012 to February 12, 2017.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of an acquired psychiatric disorder, gastrointestinal disease, skin disorder, heart condition secondary to PTSD, peripheral vestibular disorder, bilateral hearing loss, or tinnitus. The Veteran's left ear frostbite is also denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to his request for a videoconference hearing.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining audiogram results and specific puretone threshold values.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to determine if his right ear hearing loss is related to service. The issue of entitlement to a higher rating for left ear hearing loss will be deferred until the issue of entitlement to service connection for a right ear hearing loss is adjudicated.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected bilateral sensorineural hearing loss.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is related to in-service acoustic trauma and granted service connection.

The Board found that the appellant's character of discharge for his period from March 1960 to September 1963 was dishonorable, and thus he is not entitled to VA benefits based on this service. The remaining claims for service connection were denied as there was no evidence showing these conditions were incurred during active duty training.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to his in-service noise exposure.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his active duty service.

The Veteran's service connection for hearing loss disability and tinnitus is considered, as he was discharged from service due to a service-connected condition. As the Veteran served during a period of war, basic eligibility for pension benefits is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is rated at a 50 percent disability rating, tinnitus at 10 percent, and bilateral hearing loss does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating. The Board granted TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his bilateral hearing loss, as recent private evaluations suggest it may have worsened. Updated VA and private treatment records are also needed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a VA audiological examination and development of his TDIU claim.