Hearing loss decisions — 2019

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and remanded the issue of a rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's currently diagnosed bilateral hearing loss is not related to his active military service.

The Veteran's claims for initial compensable ratings and effective dates for service connection were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating for his bilateral hearing loss, and there was no basis for earlier effective dates for PTSD or TBI.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that there is no current disability and no link to service.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain updated treatment records and to provide the Veteran with another VA examination to determine if his current hearing loss and tinnitus are related to service, given the conceded noise exposure.

The Veteran's non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is rated at a 100% evaluation, but his residuals are not being evaluated appropriately. The Board has ordered remand to obtain updated VA examination and treatment records.

The Board has determined that the Appellant meets the criteria for special monthly pension benefits based on the need for aid and attendance due to her disabilities, which include hypertension, hyperlipidemia, osteoporosis, hearing loss, and poor balance. The decision grants this benefit.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the cause of the Veteran's death, specifically whether his hepatitis C was caused by in-service immunizations or if it was a result of substance use disorder related to his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current disabilities are at least as likely as not related to his in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability and bilateral hearing loss has been remanded due to the need for additional examinations. The claims are currently pending.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted as service connected, with the Board finding that these conditions were incurred in service due to noise exposure.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there is no probative evidence linking the conditions to military service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated at 60 percent effective May 4, 2018. The Veteran's PTSD results in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is related to his noise exposure during his active duty service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has denied service connection for a back disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The Veteran's left hand disorder claim is remanded due to inadequate examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are of such severity as to preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board finds that he is entitled to TDIU.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's right ear hearing loss is related to service, specifically noise exposure. The case will be sent back for a clarifying medical opinion.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for left shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis prior to October 10, 2015 was denied. The appeal for bilateral hearing loss service connection was also denied. A rating in excess of 20 percent for left shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis since October 10, 2015 was denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and initial compensable rating for various conditions are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the evidence did not support a link to service.