Hearing loss decisions — 2019

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and dismissed his claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus. The evidence did not support a higher rating for either condition.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a back disorder and an initial compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated at 10 percent, but does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation. The Board found that the disability rating assigned was appropriate.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is related to noise exposure during service, and thus grants service connection for this condition. However, the knee condition requires further examination as there are no current VA examinations or opinions regarding its etiology.

The Board has dismissed the appeal seeking a compensable rating for left ear hearing loss and has remanded the issue of entitlement to a rating in excess of 30 percent for dysthymic disorder.

The Veteran's service connection claim for bilateral hearing loss is granted as the evidence shows he has been diagnosed with this condition and experienced noise exposure during his military service, which could be considered a direct service connection.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to insufficient evidence regarding their etiology. A new VA examination is needed to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and esophageal cancer due to asbestos exposure. The Veteran's current hearing loss is not related to his in-service noise exposure, as there was no specific event linked to its onset. His tinnitus did not manifest within the one-year presumptive period or be otherwise related to service. Esophageal cancer is not considered related to asbestos exposure during service.,The Board denied service connection for esophageal cancer due to asbestos exposure. The Veteran's current diagnosis of esophageal cancer was found not to be linked to his in-service asbestos exposure, as there were no pre-existing diseases that predispose him to the condition.

The Veteran's death was attributed to ischemic heart disease, which is presumed due to his service-connected PTSD. The appeal for a back disability, an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD, and TDIU remains pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and an acquired psychiatric condition (including PTSD, anxiety, depression, and alcoholism) have been remanded due to inadequate examination findings. The Board requires a new VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current hearing loss disability and psychiatric conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and bilateral tinnitus disability, finding that the Veteran's current disabilities are related to his in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection, but his bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of bilateral hearing loss was denied as there is no evidence that the claim was filed before April 20, 2016. The effective date is set at April 20, 2016.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left ear hearing loss is not related to his service, but has granted service connection for tinnitus as it had its onset during his service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, COPD, CAD, and hypertension due to outstanding medical records not being obtained.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to maintain substantially gainful employment, and a TDIU rating is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and TDIU were denied as there is no evidence of a current disability meeting VA criteria, and the Veteran does not have any service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service connection claim for bilateral hearing loss is denied as the evidence does not support a finding that his hearing loss began during or within one year of his separation from active duty.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal with respect to all issues, including hearing loss, tinnitus, and a bilateral hand condition.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance is remanded due to incomplete medical records and the need for a physical examination.