Hearing loss decisions — 2018

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and schizophrenia, but denied reopening of other issues. The initial disability ratings have been granted or denied as appropriate.

The Board denied service connection for vertigo, including as secondary to tinnitus or bilateral hearing loss. The Board also denied the claim for a total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been remanded due to insufficient evidence or procedural issues. The appeals regarding the lumbar spine, hearing loss, PTSD, and unemployability are pending further review.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted service connection as they were incurred during his military service. The left knee injury is remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his knee disabilities and service-connected bilateral hearing loss are being remanded due to the need for updated VA examinations and treatment records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral pes planus, bilateral hearing loss, asbestos exposure and Gulf War hazards, and a compensable rating for hemolytic anemia. The Board found that there was no evidence of current disabilities related to these conditions.

The Veteran's hearing loss claim is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's rating for bilateral hearing loss is granted at a 10 percent level, effective from the date of claim. The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol abuse remains rated at 50 percent.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to inadequate VA examinations and further development is needed.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to his active service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is remanded for a new VA examination to determine its etiology. The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II is also remanded as the military personnel records need to be verified if he served in Thailand, which could affect his presumptive service connection claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is related to in-service noise exposure and finds that there is at least equipoise evidence. Therefore, service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability is granted.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and bilateral tinnitus, finding that the preponderance of evidence did not support a link between these conditions and service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and PTSD were evaluated, with the hearing loss denied for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent and the PTSD denied for an evaluation in excess of 70 percent. The claims are remanded due to additional evidence being needed.

The Veteran's social anxiety disorder with insomnia and depression has been granted a 100 percent rating, effective October 24, 2013. The Board also found that the Veteran’s service-connected eye disorder is related to his military service.

The Board denied service connection for atrial fibrillation and denied entitlement to a compensable rating prior to September 27, 2017, and a rating in excess of 10 percent thereafter for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received for the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and allergic rhinitis, but not for the claim of service connection for a right knee disorder. The appeal is therefore granted for the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and allergic rhinitis.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete medical records and the need for a VA audiological examination to determine if the Veteran's hearing loss began during service, is caused by his diabetes mellitus, or was aggravated by it.

The claim for service connection of a back disability has been reopened, but the issue remains remanded. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated as noncompensable. His persistent adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood associated with his bilateral hearing loss is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the claim of entitlement to service connection for sleep apnea, as it is unclear whether this condition is related to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD.,The Veteran needs to undergo a VA examination to determine if his current sleep apnea is caused or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD.