Hearing loss decisions — 2018

The Veteran's appeal for a compensable evaluation for service-connected bilateral hearing loss has been dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's appeal of cervical spine osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease was dismissed. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is granted as related to service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability. The underlying issue of entitlement to service connection is remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including posttraumatic stress disorder, chronic venous stasis vascular disease in both legs, and ankle sores due to undiagnosed illness, have resulted in an inability to dress or undress himself, keep himself clean and presentable, feed himself without assistance, attend to the wants of nature on a regular basis, and protect himself from daily hazards. The Veteran needs aid and attendance for these reasons.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was rated at 10 percent prior to January 15, 2014 and noncompensable thereafter. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet criteria for higher ratings based on his audiometric test results.

The Board has granted service connection for right thumb degenerative joint disease, but denied service connection for left ear hearing loss and right ear hearing loss.,There is no evidence of a current disability for right ear hearing loss.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment prior to February 20, 2013.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was restored to a 20 percent rating, effective November 21, 2014.,A higher rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied.,PTSD was granted an initial rating of 100 percent from December 26, 2017, and the Veteran's TDIU claim prior to October 7, 2014, remains pending.,The issue of a total disability due to individual unemployability based on service-connected disabilities (TDIU) was remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, migraine headaches, left fourth cranial nerve dysfunction with diplopia, and bilateral pes planus with hallux valgus, right foot, and residuals of bunionectomy due to additional evidentiary development being required.

The Veteran's claims for an effective date earlier than February 5, 2014 for the award of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are denied as the September 2003 rating decision is considered final.

The Veteran's initial compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss is denied as his audiometric test results do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss and skin disability due to inadequate development of evidence. The claims will be returned for further action.

The Board denied service connection for left ear hearing loss, right ear hearing loss, and tinnitus as the evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by active service.

The Board has decided to remand the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to insufficient evidence from a previous VA examination. The Veteran will need to undergo another examination to determine if he has these conditions and whether they are related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the claims of bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to insufficient evidence regarding their onset during service.

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

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is related to his service, specifically the noise exposure he experienced while in active duty. As a result, the claim for service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for updated medical records and a new examination.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and sleep apnea as they were not incurred or related to service.,Service connection was also denied for a heart disability (including ischemic heart disease, congestive heart failure, and supraventricular tachycardia) because the Veteran did not have a diagnosis of ischemic heart disease.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.