Hearing loss decisions — 2021

The Veteran's claim for a higher level of special monthly compensation (SMC) was denied as the evidence did not show that his service-connected disabilities necessitated regular aid and attendance or permanent bedridden status.

The Board denied service connection for a lumbar spine disorder and the Veteran's claim for TDIU based on bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus but remanded the issue of service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to insufficient evidence in the record.

The Veteran's right ankle lateral collateral ligament sprain, chronic/recurrent is granted a 10 percent rating. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are both granted.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and remanded the cases of left ankle and left knee disorders due to outstanding VA treatment records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's gunshot wound to the left side of his head was a result of his own willful misconduct, and thus not incurred in line of duty. As such, service connection for TBI, left ear hearing loss, and PTSD is denied.

The Board has granted an effective date of October 2, 2018 for service connection for left ear hearing loss and denied a compensable initial rating. The claim for right ear hearing loss was denied in the September 2018 decision and is not being readjudicated due to lack of relevant new evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his service, including noise exposure during active duty. As such, service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Veteran's disability rating for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss was reduced from 30 percent to 10 percent effective December 1, 2021. The reduction was proper as the evidence showed improvement in his hearing condition.

The Veteran's service connection claim for bilateral hearing loss is denied as he does not have a current disability of left ear hearing loss, and his right ear hearing loss did not manifest to a compensable degree within one year of separation from active duty.,The Veteran's PTSD is currently evaluated at 70 percent. The Board finds that the evidence does not support an increase in rating beyond this level.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current disabilities are due to in-service noise exposure. The claim is based on direct service connection.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and service connection has been remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding his hearing loss.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this appeal.

The Veteran's child is not eligible to receive the Veteran's last disability benefits payment for the month in which he died.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance is remanded due to the need for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's currently diagnosed bilateral hearing loss is related to in-service noise exposure, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that there was no evidence of a chronic disability present in service or within one year after discharge. The Board also found that the current hearing loss did not have its onset during service and is not causally related to any disease or injury incurred in service.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss disability is remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his condition.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted as of September 12, 2018 due to his service-connected disabilities meeting the schedular criteria for a TDIU.

The Veteran's PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and prostate cancer residuals are all granted with specific ratings. The claim for service connection of tremors is remanded.