Hearing loss decisions — 2018

The Veteran was granted a 10 percent rating for his service-connected hearing loss effective January 15, 2014. The appeal is resolved in the Veteran's favor.

The Veteran's appeal for higher disability ratings and service connection was denied. The Veteran is not entitled to a higher initial disability rating for cervical spine degenerative disc disease, nor does he have bilateral hearing loss or entitlement to TDIU prior to February 1, 2008.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, left eye impaired vision, and tinnitus. Service connection is denied for residuals of pneumonia.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and needs further development before a decision can be made.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as his request for a higher rating for his right elbow disability and an earlier effective date for the 10% rating, are being remanded due to incomplete examinations and procedural issues.

The Board has granted service connection for hearing loss in the left ear and tinnitus, finding that these conditions are related to exposure to noise during active service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development due to incomplete requested actions. The Veteran has the option to continue his appeals or withdraw them.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability was evaluated at a noncompensable rating (0%) throughout the appeal period, as his measured hearing levels did not meet the criteria for any higher evaluation.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current hearing loss is related to his in-service acoustic trauma and placing doubt on this issue in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for new VA examinations to assess his current employment capacity and disability severity.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and remanded the issue of initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss due to in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss, right and left lower extremity cold injury residuals, and tinnitus, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to the combined effect of his conditions. The Board has granted a TDIU based on this finding.

The Board has determined that the Veteran meets the criteria for service connection for PTSD, right ear hearing loss, and tinnitus. The Veteran's reported symptoms are consistent with his military service experience and supported by medical evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is related to his active military service, and thus grants the claim for service connection.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal of the claims for right ear hearing loss and right shoulder condition.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's low back disability, right femoral hernia, and bilateral hearing loss. The case is therefore REMANDED for these purposes.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for tinnitus and hearing loss, as well as service connection for PTSD, were denied. The maximum schedular rating of 10 percent is assigned for the Veteran's tinnitus. No compensable evaluation was granted for his bilateral hearing loss disability. Service connection for PTSD could not be established based on the evidence provided.

The Veteran's tinnitus is established as service-connected, while his neuropathy and bilateral hearing loss are denied. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD and a depressive disorder) is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service, including noise exposure during active duty. As such, these conditions have been granted service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not render him unemployable prior to July 7, 2010. His education and experience allow for both physical and sedentary work.