Hearing loss decisions — 2017

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his in-service noise exposure, and thus grants service connection for both conditions.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and development of medical records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left ear hearing loss is at least as likely as not incurred in service, while his right ear hearing loss was not aggravated by service and thus cannot be granted on a direct basis.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a higher initial rating of 70 percent since February 1, 2010.,The Veteran is also granted TDIU effective February 1, 2010.

The Board has granted a 40 percent rating for bilateral hearing loss effective February 25, 2009. The Veteran's claim for service connection of his left knee disability is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss disability was rated at 40 percent since March 18, 2015. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for any period.

The Veteran's TDIU claim for the period prior to January 13, 2004 was denied as his service-connected hearing loss alone did not render him unemployable.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been rated at the highest possible schedular evaluations, but he is unemployable due to these service-connected disabilities. The TDIU claim has been granted.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and vertigo with tinnitus have not met the schedular criteria for a higher rating, and his claim for TDIU is denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for sick sinus syndrome and for special monthly compensation at the housebound rate, finding no clear and unmistakable error in the March 10, 2010 rating decision that granted TDIU based on multiple service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's hearing loss is related to her military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy was denied. However, his rating for bilateral hearing loss was reduced from 10% to 0%, effective July 1, 2016.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with anxiety is granted, rated at 30 percent prior to August 26, 2015 and increased to 50 percent thereafter. Bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are also granted as related to service noise exposure.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been granted. Bilateral hearing loss is found to be related to active service, while tinnitus is proximately due to the service-connected bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is rated at 70 percent since February 20, 2013. The claim for TDIU prior to September 9, 2009, and special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance of another person or based on housebound status are granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is due to or aggravated by in-service noise exposure, and thus service connection for bilateral hearing loss is granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus did not have their onset or manifestation in service, and therefore denied his claims for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for sleep apnea was withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his in-service exposure. The effective date is not specified as it was a direct grant of service connection.