Hearing loss decisions — 2018

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss disability has worsened, and a more current VA examination is needed to determine the present level of disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.

Service connection is granted for left ear hearing loss, but the right ear hearing loss claim remains pending as a new examination is needed.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss disability is remanded due to the need for updated VA treatment records and an examination.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has worsened since his last VA examination in April 2017, and he needs a new VA examination to assess the current severity of this condition.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for traumatic brain injury, chronic left ankle sprain, hearing loss in the left ear, and PTSD due to unclear evidence regarding TBI residuals and insufficient examination reports. The Veteran will need to undergo further evaluations.

The Board has found that more evidence is needed to decide the claims for service connection for various disabilities, and has ordered a Supplemental Statement of the Case (SSOC) with consideration of new VA treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to the lack of recent VA examination and inadequate private audiogram.

The Veteran's last VA examination for his bilateral hearing loss was conducted over four years ago, and he reported worsening symptoms. The Board has ordered a new examination to assess the current severity of his disability.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for a respiratory disability and bilateral hearing loss due to insufficient evidence regarding their current severity and potential service connection. The AOJ is instructed to schedule VA examinations and obtain additional records.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for left ear hearing loss, finding that it is related to noise exposure during his military service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was rated as noncompensable (0%) from December 2012 to December 6, 2017. From December 6, 2017, a rating of 10% for the condition is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for service connection for PTSD based on in-service personal assault are not supported by evidence and requires further development, including providing notice and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss has been denied.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for throat and tongue cancer, as well as precancerous lip lesion, secondary to herbicide exposure (Agent Orange), are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and remanded the issue of a higher initial disability rating for bilateral hearing loss.

Service connection for a respiratory disability is denied as the evidence does not support that it began during service or is related to an in-service injury, event, or disease.,An initial rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral hearing loss is denied as the current ratings are already at the maximum allowed under VA regulations.,Service connection for tinnitus is denied as there is no legal basis to award a higher schedular rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and testicular cancer to obtain additional medical records, conduct further examinations, and consider service connection on new evidence. The hearing loss claim requires a VA examination to determine if it is at least as likely as not related to active military service. For the testicular cancer claim, a VA examination will be conducted to assess whether it had its onset during or was caused by active service, including in-service radiation exposure.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was dismissed because the Veteran withdrew his appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound is not due to service-connected disabilities, as determined by the VA examiner. The claim for special monthly compensation based on these needs is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus are being remanded for further evaluation. The rating for PTSD remains in dispute.