Hearing loss decisions — 2017

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is service-connected, and he is eligible for TDIU benefits beginning May 2012. His diabetes mellitus II and PTSD are also service-connected, but do not meet the threshold requirements for TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for payment or reimbursement of medical expenses incurred at St. Mary-Corwin Medical Center in Pueblo, Colorado, on September 30, 2008, and from October 1, 2008, to October 3, 2008, were denied because the services were not rendered for a service-connected disability.,The Veteran's claims for payment or reimbursement of medical expenses incurred at St. Mary-Corwin Medical Center in Pueblo, Colorado, on September 30, 2008, and from October 1, 2008, to October 3, 2008, were denied because the services were not rendered for a service-connected disability.

The Board dismissed the issues of a higher initial disability rating for bilateral hearing loss in excess of 0 percent (noncompensable) prior to July 31, 2014, and in excess of 10 percent from July 31, 2014, as well as an effective date earlier than July 31, 2014, for the award of a 10 percent disability rating for bilateral hearing loss due to finality principles.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied as his hearing acuity does not warrant such a rating based on the VA examination results.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service, granting service connection for both conditions.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is presumed to have been incurred in service due to noise exposure, and the Board finds that he has met the criteria for presumptive service connection.,The Veteran's skin disorder is not related to herbicide exposure in service. The Board finds that his current skin disorders are not linked to service.

The Veteran's left eye disability is rated at a 10% rating, effective from the date of decision. The Veteran's left ear hearing loss does not meet criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and a lung disability as due to asbestos exposure. The decision found no direct service connection for the lung disability, but also noted conflicting medical evidence regarding the hearing loss claim.

The Board has found that service connection is warranted for bilateral hearing loss disability, tinnitus, temporomandibular joint disease (TMJ)/TMD, and a disability manifested by dizziness.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date prior to June 25, 2014 for the grant of service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied as no evidence was submitted showing entitlement under the law prior to that date.

The Board finds that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss disability had its onset in service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's headaches are not related to his service, but he has bilateral hearing loss that is related to his active service.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss does not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his claims, including obtaining updated treatment records from GR Health.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and acoustic neuroma due to additional development being required.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss is found to be related to noise exposure during service, meeting the criteria for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left ear hearing loss disability did not have its onset during active service or within one year of service discharge, and is not otherwise related to active service, including in-service noise exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss disability is related to noise exposure during his military service and grants the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, depression, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus, precluded him from securing or following substantially gainful employment prior to April 22, 2016. The Board granted TDIU on this basis.

The Board has remanded the case to determine if the appellant was insane at the time of his offenses, and whether he incurred a TBI during service. The VA will obtain additional medical records and arrange for an examination.