Hearing loss decisions — 2018

The Board has decided to remand the cases of sleep apnea and bilateral hearing loss for further evaluation due to insufficient medical opinions.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD renders him unemployable and the Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) effective September 2, 2011.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and tinnitus, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since January 7, 2011. The Board has granted a total disability rating for compensation based on individual unemployability (TDIU) effective from that date.

The Board dismissed all claims due to the Veteran's death prior to a decision being made.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and inadequate examination, requiring further development of the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are service-connected.,Both conditions were found to be related to in-service noise exposure.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal of the appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the Veteran, and thus the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated at 30 percent since January 19, 2017. The Board found that the evidence supported a higher rating based on his current level of hearing acuity.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss but has remanded the issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and MDD.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his military noise exposure. Service connection was denied for right ear hearing loss due to insufficient evidence.

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

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied because there is no current diagnosis of the condition as defined by VA regulations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for sleep apnea, left heel spur, right heel spur, right plantar fasciitis, and left ear hearing loss due to a lack of VA examinations. The Veteran is required to provide information about any treatment providers who have provided care related to these conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, and he is granted a TDIU. The Board finds that additional development is necessary to determine if the Veteran meets criteria for SMC based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions due to a lack of VA treatment records and SSA disability benefits records. The Veteran is also requested to provide any additional pertinent evidence.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that his current hearing loss is at least as likely as not due to military noise exposure.

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

The Veteran's claims for tinnitus and right ear hearing loss were granted with an effective date of February 23, 1971.,The claim for left ear hearing loss was denied in June 1971 but reopened due to new evidence.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to missing service treatment records. The Veteran is required to provide information about any healthcare providers who have treated him for these conditions, and VA must obtain any outstanding medical records.