Hearing loss decisions — 2017

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there is sufficient evidence to establish a nexus between these conditions and in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is service-connected.,Service connection for osteoarthritis of the right knee, left knee, low back disorder, right hip disorder, and left hip disorder are granted as secondary to his service-connected residuals of a right foot bunionectomy.

The Board found that the Veteran's current disabilities of bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, thoracolumbar strain, cervical spine disability, and right leg sciatica are not related to his military service. The evidence did not establish a direct link between these conditions and his active duty.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating of 40 percent for back disability, including radiculopathy, was granted with a current effective date of March 11, 2010. Effective dates were also established for service connection for right lower extremity radiculopathy and tinnitus on the same day.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, along with other disabilities, has resulted in occupational and social impairment that warrants a 70 percent rating.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is considered severe enough for VA purposes, and the claim for service connection has been granted.

The Board is remanding the case due to incomplete medical opinions and the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance, which has been granted special monthly compensation based on this need.

The Veteran's bilateral sensorineural hearing loss was not caused by acoustic trauma in service and the evidence does not establish a continuity of symptoms since service. The Board finds that the Veteran does not meet the requirements for service connection under any applicable theory of entitlement.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is not related to his military service, as there was no evidence of a threshold shift in either ear during service and his hearing was within normal limits at separation. The claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Veteran's tinnitus has been granted service connection, and his PTSD is rated at the maximum allowable under VA guidelines. The hearing loss claim remains pending, as does the TDIU issue.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise regarding these claims.

The Veteran's claim for a psychiatric disorder other than depressive disorder, specifically PTSD and unspecified trauma and stress related disorder (sub threshold PTSD), has been granted. The appeal regarding the restoration of ratings for bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a dental disability need further examination and analysis. The case is being remanded to obtain an adequate medical opinion regarding these issues.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and found that the Veteran's current tinnitus is due to noise exposure in service. The claim of bilateral hearing loss was also granted, with a finding that it is related to service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD and bilateral hearing loss were denied, while his claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx was granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss is related to his military service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for bilateral hearing loss was dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his claim. The Board granted entitlement to TDIU due to service-connected disabilities, finding that with reasonable doubt resolved in favor of the Veteran, he is unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the cause of the Veteran's death is related to his service-connected disabilities, specifically the morphine prescribed for his service-connected left knee disability. As a result, the Board grants service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining a VA examination to assess the nature and etiology of his bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and lung condition. The AOJ must also verify any in-service asbestos exposure.