Hearing loss decisions — 2017

The Veteran is entitled to a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities, including left ear hearing loss, PTSD, DJD with supraspinatus tendon tear in the left shoulder, laceration right wrist with ulnar neuropathy and degenerative changes, and bilateral tinnitus.,The Veteran's multiple service-connected conditions have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current hearing loss disability or tinnitus that is related to his active duty service, and therefore denied his claims for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions of PTSD, hypertension, bilateral hearing loss, and peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities rendered him unable to engage and retain substantially gainful employment prior to April 21, 2010.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not warrant a compensable rating prior to September 15, 2010, or greater than 20 percent thereafter.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a new VA examination to assess the severity of his right ear hearing loss and determine if he has mixed or conductive hearing loss.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss should be remanded due to an inability to locate him and provide a VA examination.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly evaluate the Veteran's service-connected disabilities and his claim for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance. The case is being remanded for further examination and review.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn in its entirety.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his active military service, with reasonable doubt resolved in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The Board also finds that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's hearing loss is related to conceded noise exposure during service, thus granting service connection.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for PTSD has been granted, with a final effective date of February 6, 2015.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for OSA is denied.

The Board has found that the Veteran's tinnitus was incurred in or caused by military service, and therefore grants service connection for tinnitus. The hearing loss claim is remanded as there are insufficient medical opinions to determine its etiology.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is related to his in-service noise exposure, and service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's hearing loss. The Veteran is requested to provide any relevant private treatment records and Social Security Administration records.

The Veteran's appeal is being referred to the Director of Compensation Service for consideration of an extra-schedular rating due to his service-connected bilateral hearing loss and its impact on his relationship with his spouse. The case will be returned to the Board after this review.

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

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his service, including exposure to acoustic trauma during combat in Vietnam. The right lower extremity and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy have not been addressed by the RO.

The Board has found that the Veteran's tinnitus had its onset in service and is granted service connection for this condition. The issue of bilateral hearing loss remains pending as it was not addressed by the RO.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus. The issue of entitlement to service connection for hearing loss is being remanded for additional development.

The Veteran is granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, as both conditions are found to be related to his in-service noise exposure.