Hearing loss decisions — 2018

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, bilateral tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation since January 28, 2010. The Board finds that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether his PTSD alone precludes him from employment.

The appeal for service connection and increased ratings has been dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee disorder and an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss. The evidence did not support finding that the left knee disorder began during service or was related to service, and the Veteran's hearing loss disability met the criteria for a 20% rating.

The Veteran's cataracts have been rated at 30 percent since the initial claim in March 28, 2008. The Board has remanded his claims for service connection for tinnitus, bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability has been rated at 90 percent since January 28, 2011. The Board found that the evidence did not warrant an increased rating in excess of this level.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and degenerative changes of the low back, finding no evidence that these conditions began during or were related to service. The effective date for service connection was also denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral sensorineural hearing loss is related to his in-service noise exposure, and thus service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for residuals of cervical spine fracture, bilateral eye condition, bilateral hearing loss, TBI, headaches, weakness on left side of body, and acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) due to outstanding VA treatment records. The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD is also remanded as there are no current medical opinions linking any diagnosed psychiatric disorders to his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50%, but the Board finds that a higher rating of 70% is warranted due to his suicidal thoughts and other symptoms. The claims for bilateral hearing loss and erectile dysfunction are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's application to reopen his claim for service connection of bilateral hearing loss was granted. Service connection for this condition is denied.,PTSD has been granted at a 70% disability rating from November 18, 2010 to September 9, 2012 and at a 100% disability rating starting from September 10, 2012. The Veteran's TDIU claim is also granted during this period.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss as there was no evidence of a current disability, and any in-service noise exposure did not result in a compensable degree of hearing loss within one year of separation from active duty.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings on several service-connected disabilities are being remanded due to the need for further development and examination.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and bilateral tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to in-service acoustic trauma.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been granted, and he is now entitled to VA benefits related to this condition. His initial rating for bilateral hearing loss remains at 20 percent, but his case for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance due to his disabilities will be remanded.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss as the evidence did not show a causal relationship between current hearing loss and military service, despite conceded noise exposure. The Veteran's post-service occupational noise exposure was also considered.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus, right ear hearing loss, and left ear hearing loss are related to service. However, due to the need for additional medical examinations, the claims are being remanded.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, effective from September 18, 2013. The VA has determined that the current evidence supports this rating based on the audiometric evaluations performed.

The Board has dismissed the appeal for an initial increased rating for tinnitus due to withdrawal by the Veteran. The remaining issues of service connection and ratings for various disabilities are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear hearing loss and denied service connection for hypertension and diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Board has found that additional development is needed to address the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities and their impact on his employability. The case is being remanded for a VA examination.