Hearing loss decisions — 2019

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss and left ear hearing loss are granted, but the breathing disorder claim is remanded for further examination.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus but has remanded the case for a new examination to determine if the Veteran's hearing loss is due to in-service noise exposure.

The Board denied service connection for a left ear hearing loss disability, finding that the Veteran's current hearing loss did not manifest to a compensable degree within one year of separation from service and there was no continuity of symptomatology. The VA examiner concluded that the Veteran's current hearing loss is less likely related to his in-service noise exposure.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development to obtain medical opinions regarding the etiology of the appellant's sleep apnea, coronary artery disease, and respiratory disability. The claims are currently in a state where further evidence is needed.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss should be remanded due to the need for additional records and an examination.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension is remanded due to missed VA examinations and the possibility of homelessness. The RO must follow procedures for contacting homeless veterans and obtain all relevant medical records.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for diabetes mellitus and bilateral hearing loss due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment, and therefore a total disability rating based on individual unemployability is denied.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was dismissed because the Veteran and his representative withdrew their appeal.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and bilateral eye disorder due to outstanding VA treatment records not being associated with the claims file. The Veteran is also requested to undergo a VA audiological examination to evaluate his service connection claims.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him so helpless as to need the regular aid and attendance of another person, warranting special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied, but his claim for tinnitus is granted. Additionally, a separate rating of 10 percent for right knee instability is granted effective from September 22, 2016.

The Board has remanded the case due to missing audiometric graph results from 2016 and 2017, which are relevant to the claim on appeal.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right hip disability and for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, finding that there was no evidence of current disabilities or a nexus to service.

The petition to reopen the claims for PTSD, hearing loss, and left elbow disorder is granted. The claim of service connection for PTSD is allowed as new evidence supports a diagnosis of PTSD related to in-service stressors. The claims for hearing loss and left elbow disorder are remanded due to insufficient medical examination.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal, and the Board has dismissed it.

The Board has awarded an initial disability rating of 40 percent for lumbar degenerative disc disease and a separate compensable rating of 10 percent each for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is rated at 70 percent effective February 5, 2019. However, the issue of whether a compensable rating can be assigned prior to that date remains pending.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection of peripheral neuropathy in his left upper, lower extremities and right lower extremity due to exposure to herbicide agents during service. The appeal is not about service connection at all.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the preponderance of evidence did not support a link between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.