Hearing loss decisions — 2017

The Veteran's initial compensable rating claim for bilateral hearing loss prior to April 5, 2016 has been granted. The effective date remains pending further action.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him incapable of securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board finds that he is entitled to TDIU for the entire rating period on appeal.

The Veteran is granted a TDIU due to service-connected Meniere's syndrome with bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, preventing him from securing or following any substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability has been manifested by no more than Level II hearing impairment in both ears throughout the appeal period, and therefore does not warrant a compensable rating.

The Board has determined that additional VA examinations and medical opinions are needed to address the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, as the current evidence is insufficient to determine whether these conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's initial ratings for bilateral hearing loss were denied as the criteria for a compensable rating prior to June 26, 2012, and higher than 20 percent, 30 percent, and 40 percent prior to July 11, 2016, October 25, 2016, and beginning October 25, 2016, respectively, were not met.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and VA treatment records. Additional examinations are also needed to assess the current severity of his right hip, right shoulder, left knee, and right knee disabilities.

The Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is considered service-connected as it manifested during and after his combat service in Vietnam, meeting the criteria for service connection under both the combat provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. § 1154(b) and the chronic disease presumption.

The Board has denied the reopening of the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lung disorder, low back disorder, and left ankle disorder. The claim for an increased rating for tinnitus is also denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new 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 military service, with continuity of symptoms since separation. As a result, both conditions have been granted service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is not entitled to service connection for bilateral hearing loss or sleep apnea as his conditions are not causally related to his active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's currently diagnosed bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and anxiety disorder NOS are all service-connected.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that her current hearing loss did not have its onset during or as a result of her active duty service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnoses of bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his in-service noise exposure, and service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records. The Veteran's claims are not yet decided.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability has not met the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to December 18, 2014, and in excess of 30 percent thereafter.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by his attorney prior to the Board making a decision.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, as he is limited to moderate physical and sedentary work not involving extensive social interaction.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has not approximated the criteria for a compensable rating at any time during the appeal period.