Hearing loss decisions — 2019

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a sleep problem (secondary to tinnitus) as there was no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated at the maximum schedular rating of 70 percent.,The Veteran's tinnitus is also rated at the maximum schedular rating of 10 percent.

The Board denied service connection for left ear hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran did not have these conditions during or within one year after his military service. The Board also found no evidence of continuity of symptomatology since service.

The Veteran's service-connected allergic rhinitis is not rated higher than noncompensable, as it does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.,The Veteran's TDIU claim was denied because his combined disability evaluation (60%) does not meet the schedular requirements for a TDIU.

The Board denied reopening of the claims for PTSD and bilateral hearing loss disability as new and material evidence was not presented.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating in excess of 60 percent for bilateral hearing loss has been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated at 10 percent, the maximum rating available under VA guidelines. The Board found that his condition did not warrant a higher rating based on the mechanical application of the rating schedule.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral hearing loss disability, finding that there was no evidence of in-service incurrence or aggravation and noting the absence of post-service complaints, findings, diagnosis, or treatment for approximately 46 years after service discharge.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and PTSD with alcohol abuse were denied. The Veteran's hearing loss was rated as noncompensable, his tinnitus as 10 percent disabling, and his PTSD as 70 percent disabling.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus as secondary to bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's current conditions are related to his in-service noise exposure.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there was no evidence to support these conditions were incurred or aggravated by his military service.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for right ear hearing loss is granted and remanded for a new VA examination to determine the etiology of his hearing loss.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as there was no prior communication received by VA that could be construed as a formal or informal claim.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and a bilateral foot disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that there was no evidence of a diagnosis within one year of separation from service or continuity of symptoms since separation. The Board also found no medical nexus between the current diagnosis and military noise exposure.

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

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him so helpless as to need regular aid and attendance, nor does he meet the criteria for housebound status due to his service-connected disabilities. Therefore, special monthly compensation based on a need for aid and attendance is denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that there was no evidence of a chronic disability in service or within one year following discharge. The Board also found that the Veteran did not have a nexus between his current hearing loss and his military service.

The Veteran's initial compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss has been denied.,Issues related to groin strain with right testicular pain, a right leg condition associated with groin strain, breathing problems, sleep apnea, acid reflux (GERD), and low back disability have been remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for heart disability, hypertension, and Parkinson's disease due to lack of information regarding the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents. The claim for bilateral hearing loss disability remains denied as there is no evidence of a current disability or in-service incurrence.