Hearing loss decisions — 2020

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted as service connected, with the evidence showing continuity of symptoms since service.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is rated as Level I, which does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary for the Veteran to undergo VA examinations and obtain additional records in order to properly adjudicate his claims of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss, low back disability, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD).

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate opinion regarding secondary service connection for hypertension. The Veteran's claim will be reviewed with additional evidence and an expert opinion is needed.

The Board denied service connection for gynecological problems, other than bacterial vaginosis and urinary incontinence to include residuals of cervical cancer, and bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's claims were not supported by the evidence presented.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's hearing loss disability and its relation to his service. The examiner is asked to provide a supplemental opinion considering all relevant audiogram findings, dates of service, and other pertinent information.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss needs to be remanded due to insufficient evidence, and a new VA examination is required.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities combine to a rating of at least 70 percent, meeting the schedular requirements for TDIU. The evidence is in equipoise as to whether the Veteran can secure and follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied as his Level I hearing loss does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that both conditions are attributable to service.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person or by reason of being housebound was denied as he does not meet the criteria due to his service-connected disabilities. The Board found that the Veteran is not in need of aid and attendance solely due to his service-connected conditions, but also requires assistance from nonservice-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for myelodysplastic syndrome, left ear hearing loss, tinnitus, neuropathies, an acquired psychiatric disorder, and memory loss for further development. The disability rating for left eye blindness is also being remanded.

The Veteran's tinnitus and right ear hearing loss have been rated based on the highest schedular ratings available. The left ear hearing loss claim is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability for VA purposes.,The Veteran's service-connected residuals of a left fibula healed fracture and scar are remanded for further examination to determine their severity.

The Board denied the Veteran's petition to reopen his claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and bilateral inner ear damage, finding that new evidence did not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claims.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was denied, but he was granted service connection for tinnitus. He also received a TDIU rating effective from December 10, 2014.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was rated as noncompensable prior to July 25, 2015 and at 20 percent thereafter. The claim for a higher initial rating remains before the Board.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied. The Board has also remanded the issues of service connection for acute ankle sprain and chronic pain, right knee (including as secondary to acute ankle sprain).

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted as service-connected, with the Board finding that reasonable doubt should be resolved in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's lower back disability is granted as service-connected.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss, migraines, and bilateral knee disabilities are denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities required the need for regular aid and attendance of another person, leading to a grant of special monthly compensation at the aid and attendance rate.