Hearing loss decisions — 2017

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted and rated at 70 percent since June 3, 2013. The claim for higher rating is denied.

The Veteran is entitled to a TDIU due to service-connected disabilities, effective January 2, 2011. The appellant is also entitled to SMC at the housebound rate prior to May [REDACTED], 2011.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current left ear hearing loss disability for VA compensation purposes and therefore, service connection cannot be granted. The claim is denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA audiological examination.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, effectively dismissing the claims for a higher initial rating for hearing loss and an earlier effective date for the assignment of a 20 percent evaluation.

The Veteran's tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss have been granted service connection, with the reasoning that these conditions are related to in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's appeals are being remanded for additional development and consideration of new evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss renders him unable to obtain or maintain gainful employment outside of a protected environment, given his occupational experience and educational background. With resolution of reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor, the criteria for entitlement to TDIU have been met.

The VA determined that the Veteran does not have a current hearing loss disability for VA compensation purposes, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for scheduling a videoconference hearing due to the Veteran's request and the need to ensure full compliance with due process requirements.

The Veteran's service connection for right ear hearing loss is granted, as the evidence demonstrates an increase in disability during service. The claim for initial compensable evaluation for left ear hearing loss is now inextricably intertwined with this decision and will be addressed by the AOJ.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current hearing loss disability for VA purposes, and therefore service connection cannot be established.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was not shown to be related to service, and the Board finds that it is more likely due to natural progression of noise exposure over time. Service connection for this condition is denied.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was found to be at a level that warranted a 20% rating from September 6, 2012 to September 29, 2013. The effective date is not specified as the claim was previously remanded and the decision is based on new evidence presented.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining updated treatment records and scheduling a VA aid and attendance examination. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered after these actions.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development due to a lack of VA examination and because there is insufficient information to make a decision on the claim.

The Board denied an extraschedular evaluation for palmoplantar keratoderma but granted a 10 percent evaluation. The claim of service connection for left ear hearing loss was denied.

The Veteran was awarded special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance in December 2003, effective May 28, 2003. The appellant seeks accrued benefits for this increased monetary benefit but it has been determined that the payment was made.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his inability to attend a scheduled video conference hearing. He will be provided notice and an opportunity for another hearing.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his active military service.