Hearing loss decisions — 2018

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran needs to provide VA medical examinations or opinions regarding his conditions, and he must also file a Substantive Appeal if he wishes to proceed with these claims.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current disabilities are likely related to noise exposure during his military service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is granted as service-connected. The claims for unstable angina, hypertension, umbilical hernia, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and chronic renal insufficiency are denied.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss prior to November 12, 2015, and any rating in excess of 10 percent thereafter is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral extremities, and bilateral hearing loss are all granted. Service connection is also established for tinnitus with an effective date of July 24, 2012.

The Veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus and a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss have been denied as the symptoms do not warrant higher ratings under VA schedular criteria.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there is no evidence of in-service noise exposure or a nexus to service.

The Board has remanded multiple service connection claims due to the need for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration (SSA) records.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and residuals of a traumatic brain injury due to outstanding medical records. The Veteran's right ear hearing loss and perforated tympanic membrane are not rated as they meet the criteria for non-compensable ratings.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted, and the issue of an increased evaluation for bilateral hearing loss is remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted. The claim for bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to the need for initial RO consideration.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral tinnitus but denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's current bilateral tinnitus is considered to be at least as likely as not caused by his in-service noise exposure, while the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is less likely than not related to his military service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has been rated as non-compensable, with Level I hearing loss in both ears. The appeal for a compensable rating is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not meet the legal criteria for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance, assistance in purchasing a vehicle or adaptive equipment, specially adapted housing, or a home adaptation grant.

The Veteran's service connection claims for left shoulder disability, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, sleep apnea, and hypertension have been granted.,Service connection has also been established for a compensable rating of pseudofolliculitis barbae.

The Veteran's appeal for a Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) prior to September 17, 2009 was denied because his service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's current bilateral tinnitus is etiologically related to his active service.,No hearing loss disability has been presented at any time during the pendency of the claim.,The Veteran does not have a diagnosis of a cervical spine disorder.,The Veteran does not have a diagnosis of a traumatic brain injury.,The Veteran does not have a diagnosis of a headache disorder.,The Board lacks jurisdiction over the claims for service connection for scar, right side of the head and residuals of a right-hand laceration, to include a scar because these claims were granted in October 2013 and rendered moot.,The claim of entitlement to service connection for amblyopia of the right eye is remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus claims. The Veteran will need to provide additional medical records, including audiological testing results from his VA visits, and undergo a VA examination to determine if his current conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's high cholesterol is not service-connected and thus no rating is assigned.,Service connection for undiagnosed multi-symptom illness (Gulf War Syndrome) has been granted with a 40% disability rating, which is the maximum allowed under current criteria.,Bilateral hearing loss is rated at 30%, which is the maximum allowed under current criteria. Tinnitus is rated at 10%. Valvular heart disease is rated at 70% (subject to regulations governing payment of monetary awards).,PTSD has been granted with a 70% disability rating, and COPD was not service-connected after April 23, 2013.,The Veteran's undiagnosed multi-symptom illness is rated based on the criteria for fibromyalgia. The Veteran does have separate ratings for his gastrointestinal symptoms (GERD) and skin condition (dermatitis or eczema).,COPD was not service-connected after April 23, 2013.

The Board has remanded the case to obtain another VA examination for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder.,Service connection is not granted for bilateral hearing loss, pulmonary disorder, or an acquired psychiatric disorder.