Hearing loss decisions — 2018

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability was found to be noncompensable throughout the appeal period. The issue of service connection for a respiratory disability is addressed in the REMAND portion and is currently pending.

The Veteran's right knee disability is rated at 60 percent effective May 1, 2013. The Veteran meets the criteria for a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and right and left knee disabilities were previously denied. New evidence did not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claims.,The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for an acquired psychiatric disability related to radiation treatment was also denied as there is no additional disability stemming from VA treatment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is currently evaluated at 20 percent, effective November 16, 2015. The appeal for an increased rating is denied as the evidence does not support a finding of entitlement to a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine if his service-connected disabilities prevent him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to a need for an opinion on whether the Veteran's hypertension was caused or aggravated by his service-connected disabilities, including PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a medical opinion on the etiology of hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Veteran's death was presumed to be due to his service-connected schizophrenia, thus qualifying him for burial benefits.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss and an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for lumbar spine strain.

The Board has determined that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether the appellant's current bilateral hearing loss is causally related to noise exposure during his active service. As such, the claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a right ear hearing loss disability for VA purposes, and thus service connection cannot be granted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and affording him an opportunity to provide testimony at a hearing. The appeal is currently in remand status.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is related to his active duty service, resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left ear hearing loss is not related to service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not prevent him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's hearing loss has been evaluated at a 30% rating since the appeal was initiated, based on his bilateral hearing acuity levels. The current evaluation does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's retracted right ear drum and right ear hearing loss are not related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance is denied as he does not require regular aid and assistance due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his military service, as evidenced by VA medical opinions. The preponderance of evidence supports a denial of these claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current diagnoses of diabetes, hypertension, or a kidney condition. The service connection claims for these conditions are denied.