Hearing loss decisions — 2019

The Veteran's service connection claims for GERD, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and right knee degenerative joint disease have all been granted.

The Veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus and an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss have been denied. The maximum schedular rating available for tinnitus has already been assigned, and the Veteran does not have any manifestations that are not contemplated by this rating. For his bilateral hearing loss, the evidence shows Level I hearing in both ears, which corresponds to a noncompensable rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for deviated nasal septum, service connection for bilateral hearing loss, and service connection for tinnitus due to inadequate VA examinations.

The Veteran's hearing impairment was no worse than Level I in both ears, warranting a noncompensable rating for bilateral hearing loss disability.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) rating was denied because the evidence did not show that he is unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not meet the eligibility requirements for financial assistance in purchasing an automobile and adaptive equipment.

The Board has determined that new evidence was received and requires readjudication of the claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's lumbosacral strain increased rating is also remanded due to concerns about the competency of the VA examiner.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including vertigo, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus, rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment from December 27, 2004 onward. The Board found that the evidence showed his disabilities prevented him from maintaining a suitable job as a truck driver due to his vertigo and hearing loss.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as service-connected. The skin disabilities and bilateral hearing loss are remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations, consideration of post-service treatment records, and obtaining Social Security Administration (SSA) records.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for a new examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.

The Veteran's PTSD, left ear hearing loss, and right ear hearing loss claims have been denied. The Board found no direct service connection for the conditions due to lack of evidence linking them to military service.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) due to her withdrawal of those claims during a July 2019 hearing. The remaining issues have been remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, lower back disability, migraines, hepatitis C, and a bilateral hip disability due to conflicting evidence and lack of clear medical opinions.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied as his auditory acuity in both ears is level I, warranting a noncompensable rating.

The Board denied service connection for TBI, bilateral hearing loss, headaches, epilepsy, obstructive sleep disorder, acquired psychiatric disorders (including PTSD), hepatitis C, and hypertension. The claims were remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are at least as likely as not related to his in-service acoustic trauma, thus granting service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is granted as service connected, with the Board finding that it had its onset during his period of service and resolving any doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional medical records and an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's hearing loss.