Hearing loss decisions — 2018

The claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include depression and a nervous condition is granted. The claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and enlarged liver with indicated fatty infiltration and cysts (claimed as cysts) are denied. The claim of service connection for hepatitis C is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not prevent him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

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

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's left ear hearing loss is related to service, specifically addressing delayed onset of the condition.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD and depression) due to insufficient information to verify a claimed in-service stressor.,Service connection cannot be granted for neck disability, thoracolumbar spine disability, left ear hearing loss, or right ear hearing loss as there is no competent evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's appeal for a compensable disability rating for left ear hearing loss has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection as it is at least as likely as not incurred in service.,Additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any left and right foot disabilities.

The Veteran was granted a TDIU prior to May 16, 2016 due to his service-connected PTSD and tinnitus. The effective date for the 100 percent schedular evaluation for PTSD prior to May 16, 2016 is denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate VA examination for bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's claim will be reviewed again with new evidence and a proper evaluation.

The Board denied service connection for a bilateral knee disorder, glaucoma, and bilateral hearing loss as there was no evidence of current disabilities or a relationship to active duty service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, dengue fever, skin cancer, and a right arm growth have all been denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities or a link to service.

The Board denied service connection for left ear hearing loss disability, finding that the Veteran's pre-existing condition did not worsen during service.,Service connection was also denied for right ear hearing loss disability as there was no evidence of its onset or worsening in service.

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

The Board has remanded the claims of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to exposure to harmful noise during Active Duty for Training (ACDUTRA). The VA examinations are needed to determine if these conditions were incurred or aggravated by such training.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis of hearing loss is related to noise exposure during military service.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Board has remanded several issues, including service connection for various disabilities and increased ratings. The Veteran's right shoulder disability is related to a fall during service, but no VA examiner has provided an opinion on this issue yet. His right ear hearing loss may be related to in-service noise exposure. His diabetes and erectile dysfunction are not caused by or worsened by his hypertension. A remand for further examination and development of records is required.

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

The Board denied service connection for residuals of a right-hand contusion, residuals of a varicocelectomy, chronic lumbar myofascial strain, and bilateral hearing loss as the evidence did not support current diagnoses or a link to military service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance due to his cognitive and behavioral issues related to these conditions. The Board has granted special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.