Hearing loss decisions — 2024

The Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus did not result in the need for regular aid and attendance of another person, so SMC based on aid and attendance is denied.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied, and the Board found that a rating in excess of 20 percent is not warranted.,The Veteran's appeals for earlier effective dates for TDIU and DEA eligibility were also denied. The Board noted that the Veteran was already receiving benefits based on his service-connected disabilities at the time these claims were filed.,The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for tremor disorder was remanded due to missing VA medical records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that there is no evidence of a causal relationship between his current hearing loss and his military service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and left ear hearing loss, finding that there is no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss did not meet the criteria for service connection as it was not shown during active service or at any time thereafter.,The Board has also determined that the Veteran's recurrent lumbosacral spine disability, including degenerative disc disease and spondylosis, did not meet the criteria for service connection as there is no evidence of such disability in service or for many years thereafter.

The Veteran's service-connected scars status-post ACL repair, left knee, do not warrant a compensable rating.,The Veteran's left knee disability does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent disabling based on limitation of flexion. Separate ratings for painful extension and instability have been granted.,Service connection has been established for right ear hearing loss, chronic sinusitis, and chronic headaches.,Left ear hearing loss service connection is denied.,The Veteran's left knee disability warrants separate 10 percent ratings for painful extension and instability.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the evidence did not support a causal relationship between current hearing loss and military noise exposure. The Veteran's separation examination showed normal hearing, and there was no significant shift in hearing thresholds from entrance to separation.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded due to the need for referral to the Director of Compensation Service for extraschedular consideration. The Veteran has multiple service-connected disabilities, but his combined rating does not meet the schedular requirements for a TDIU during any period on appeal.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to the VA's failure to assist in obtaining relevant medical records.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 100% rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied as it was not factually ascertainable that his disability increased in severity prior to the November 13, 2020 filing.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for right shoulder shrapnel wound scar is granted. The claims for bilateral hearing loss and increased disability ratings for right shoulder bicipital tendonitis, lumbar strain with DDD and arthritis, and head injury are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, headaches, and tinnitus due to inadequate opinions and potential duty-to-assist errors.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities. However, SMC by reason of being housebound is denied as he does not meet the criteria.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right ear hearing loss, finding that it is related to his in-service noise exposure and resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current disability is related to her active service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss and left ear hearing loss, finding that there is no current diagnosis of either condition. The claim for left ear hearing loss was remanded due to insufficient medical opinion.

The Board has remanded both claims of service connection for a back condition and bilateral hearing loss due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors. The claims will be returned to the AOJ for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current disability is related to noise exposure during his military service.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss as the evidence does not show that it is related to military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (PTSD, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss) render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation consistent with his education and work history. Therefore, the Board has granted a TDIU.