Hearing loss Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, did not prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment during the period on appeal.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, but remanded the other issues due to insufficient medical opinions and need for further examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left ear hearing loss and TDIU due to conflicting medical records, incomplete employment history, and discrepancies regarding his functional limitations caused by his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's appeal for higher initial ratings and TDIU due to PTSD and alcohol use disorder prior to January 16, 2020 is not yet resolved as there are additional issues of employability with a variety of symptoms and work dysfunctioning. These issues require further development.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, anxiety, PTSD, and depression due to issues with notification of VA examinations.

The Veteran's appeal for a compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss prior to May 11, 2022, and an evaluation in excess of 30 percent thereafter has been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for hearing loss is remanded due to the inadequacy of the previous VA examination and the need for a new one.

The Board has reopened the claim and granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, but denied it on the merits.

The Board denied service connection for Type II Diabetes Mellitus and Hypertension, finding that the Veteran did not have these conditions during active duty or within one year of discharge. The evidence does not support a finding that they are related to service.,Service connection was granted for Tinnitus, as it was incurred in service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there was no evidence of chronic conditions in service or within one year after service. The Board also found that the Veteran did not have credible testimony regarding his symptoms during service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's appeal for additional evidentiary development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and private medical records. The Veteran is also asked to provide information about his employment and income throughout the appeal period.

The Board has remanded the claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person prior to November 1, 2017. The RO is instructed to obtain a new medical opinion regarding the Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss disability and cervical spine disability, as these issues are inextricably intertwined with his TDIU claim. The VA will obtain updated treatment records, schedule examinations to determine the nature and etiology of the disabilities, and consider the secondary theory of entitlement.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the percentage standards set forth in 4.16(a) and therefore, his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is denied.

The Board has remanded the cases due to inadequate opinions and need for additional development. The issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, including as secondary to hearing loss, are being reconsidered.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss as the Veteran does not have a current disability for VA purposes, with all audiometric tests showing normal hearing.

The Board denied service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, liver disease, kidney disease, and scleroderma as there was no evidence of a current disability or a link to service. The Veteran's cause of death (pancreatitis) was not related to any service-connected condition.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted as service-connected due to in-service noise exposure, with no need for secondary or aggravation service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is related to his military service and grants the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further examination and consideration of her service-connected left ear hearing loss, PTSD, and TDIU claims.