Hearing loss decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claim for SMC at the housebound rate was denied as he does not have a single service-connected disability rated 100% and an additional disability or disabilities independently ratable at 60%. The Board found that his TDIU granted due to multiple service-connected disabilities did not meet the criteria for SMC based on housebound status.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted as service-connected.,The Veteran's left eye conjunctivitis is remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has dismissed all appeals regarding service connection for various conditions as the Veteran died during the appeal process.

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

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities alone did not render him in need of regular aid and attendance or permanently housebound, thus SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status due to service-connected disabilities is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain is rated at 40 percent, and the Board finds that a higher initial rating of 40 percent is warranted.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that these conditions are at least as likely as not related to active duty service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to duty-to-assist errors in obtaining adequate medical opinions.,All issues related to the Veteran's hearing loss, tinnitus, degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, cervical spine condition, and traumatic brain injury will be addressed.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran did not incur these conditions during active duty or due to in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's initial claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied prior to September 3, 2020. However, the Veteran was granted a 10 percent disability rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss as of September 3, 2020.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding the Veteran's pre-existing hearing loss did not worsen during service.,Service connection was granted for tinnitus and bilateral tinea pedis. The Veteran reported experiencing these conditions since service.

The Veteran's TDIU and SMC claims were denied as his disabilities do not meet the criteria for a schedular or extraschedular rating, and he does not require regular aid and attendance due to service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased disability rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus has been withdrawn. The claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and eye disability have been reopened, but the matter is remanded to provide a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD prior to September 28, 2021, and the TDIU claim prior to that date were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a disability rating greater than 50 percent or 70 percent for PTSD prior to September 28, 2021, and after that date, respectively.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as he does not have a current disability. The claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, back condition, and left knee condition are remanded due to the need for additional development.

The appeal with respect to the Veteran's prostate disability is dismissed. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is granted, but the issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder remains pending and will be remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for an eye disability and a bilateral hearing loss disability due to inadequate VA examinations, failure to obtain private treatment records, and insufficient reasons and bases in the decision.

The Board has denied service connection for right ear hearing loss and granted service connection for left ear hearing loss, right shoulder disability, and left shoulder disability. The decision is final as the Veteran's claims are no longer before the Board.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current disability meets the criteria and there is a causal relationship to military service.

The Veteran's hypertension and bilateral hearing loss have been granted service connection due to exposure to herbicide agents during service. The PTSD claim has been remanded for further review.,Service connection for PTSD was denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for reopening the claim.