Hearing loss Board decisions

The Veteran's tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss disability are granted as service connected due to noise exposure during active duty.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current kidney disorder, and his claims for hyperthyroidism (Graves' Disease), eye disorder, GERD, right shoulder disability, bilateral hearing loss, and lumbar spine disability are remanded due to incomplete medical records and need further examination.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was denied as his service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a VA examination to assess the Veteran's left ear hearing loss and any related peripheral vestibular disorder. The TDIU claim is also being remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear conductive hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current disability is in relative equipoise with her in-service complaints and diagnoses. The appeal is therefore granted.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral knee disorder, bilateral hearing loss, hypertension, right and left ankle disorders, right and left hip disorders, obstructive sleep apnea, and erectile dysfunction are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for updated VA treatment records and a new examination.

The Veteran's death was not service connected, and the claim for DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 is denied because the Veteran did not meet the eligibility requirements with a 100% disability rating for at least 10 years immediately preceding his death.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities caused his need for aid and attendance, but did not cause him to be housebound. Therefore, the Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance, but denied SMC based on housebound status.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened and granted.,The Board has found new and material evidence to reopen the claims of right and left knee disabilities, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination and opinion regarding service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's current hearing loss is not related to in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied as his current disability rating of 0% (noncompensable) remains unchanged due to the lack of evidence showing a compensable level of hearing impairment.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus but has remanded the bilateral hearing loss claim due to inadequate medical opinions.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear hearing loss, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's current condition had its onset during military service.

The Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to February 28, 2014 (bilateral hearing loss) and January 31, 2018 (CAD) are denied.,The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to January 31, 2018 for TDIU is denied as there was no formal or informal claim filed before that date.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as their relationship to service. The VA examiner will need to address the Veteran's lay statements and buddy statements regarding symptoms of hearing loss in service due to hazardous military noise exposure and hearing difficulties upon his return from Vietnam.

Service connection for tinnitus has been granted.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been denied. The Board has remanded the issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include anxiety and depression) secondary to service-connected coronary artery disease.

The Veteran's hearing loss has been rated at 0 percent since April 26, 2013. The Board found no evidence of worsening and denied an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss. Service connection for a lower back disorder, sinus disorder, and sleep apnea is remanded due to the need for additional medical records and examinations.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD has been reopened and is granted.,The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, left ankle disability, cervical spine disability, left knee disability, right knee disability, low back disability, and skin condition of the left foot have not been reopened due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for bilateral hearing loss and PTSD, leading to the dismissal of these issues.