Hearing loss decisions — 2020

The Veteran's TDIU claim was granted effective September 20, 2018, based on his service-connected disabilities resulting in a combined rating of 90 percent.

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

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for right ear hearing loss due to a lack of evidence showing that he had a current disability at any time during the appeal period.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has been rated as non-compensable, with a Level II rating in both ears. The Board found that the evidence did not support an increase in disability rating.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss but granted service connection for tinnitus. The decision is based on the Veteran's credible reports of in-service noise exposure and subsequent development of symptoms.

The Veteran's initial compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied.,The Veteran's initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus was also denied.

The Board has denied service connection for a sleep disorder, left ear hearing loss disability, and right ear hearing loss disability. The claims of entitlement to a compensable rating for tension headaches, thoracolumbar spine disability (claimed as an upper back disability), and neck disability are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for headaches. Bilateral hearing loss, back disability, hip disabilities (left and right), knee disabilities (right and left), and shoulder disabilities (right and left) are all remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and bilateral tinnitus as the evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were related to active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss started during service and continued to present, granting his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied as his hearing impairment does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 30 percent.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is found to be related to service, as he experienced symptoms since a diving incident during active duty. The Board granted service connection for this condition.

The appeals for increased disability ratings and service connection have been dismissed due to the appellant's death.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities and for TDIU on an extraschedular basis. The case is being returned for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been granted. The Board found that the evidence supports a finding of in-service onset and noise exposure, leading to service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss is granted, and his petition to reopen the claim is also granted. The Board finds that the Veteran's sensorineural hearing loss in his left ear is etiologically related to noise exposure during active service. A VA examination is needed to assess the current severity of his service-connected bilateral sensorineural hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to incomplete service treatment records and the need for medical opinions regarding the etiology of the veteran's cervical and lumbar spine disabilities. The claims for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus remain denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD with chronic sleep impairment and bilateral hearing loss, as well as the issue of a reduction in disability rating for bilateral hearing loss, are being remanded due to outstanding development needs. The claim for TDIU is also being remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, tinnitus, hearing loss, and erectile dysfunction, have rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment since July 13, 2010. The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to these conditions.

The Veteran's application to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for right ear hearing loss is granted, and he is also granted service connection for right ear hearing loss. The left ear hearing loss rating is remanded due to a need for an updated VA examination.