Hearing loss Board decisions

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection of PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and bilateral tinnitus due to the death of the appellant.

The Board denied service connection for right ear hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions did not manifest during or within one year after his active duty service.

The claim to reopen the previously denied claim for service connection for left knee disability is granted. The appeal is granted to this extent only.

The Veteran's Hepatitis C, bilateral hearing loss, cirrhosis of the liver (secondary to Hepatitis C), chronic fatigue syndrome (secondary to Hepatitis C), and hepatic encephalopathy (secondary to Hepatitis C) have been granted service connection. The rating for residuals of shell fragment wound of the lumbar area with retained metallic foreign body is remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral hearing loss disability, finding that his preexisting hearing loss did not worsen during service and thus could not be considered aggravated.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration, including obtaining a new VA examination to assess the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance was denied as there is no evidence that he requires such assistance due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service connection claims for low back disorder, left ear hearing loss, tinnitus, right ear hearing loss, sleep apnea, and headaches have been reopened. However, the Board has determined that new and material evidence was not received to reopen these claims.,The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than August 29, 2014, for the award of a 50% rating for other specified trauma related disorder with major depressive disorder and history of PTSD is dismissed.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been reopened. The Board has ordered a remand to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of these conditions, as well as their relationship to military service.

The Board has found the VA Hearing Loss and Tinnitus Disability Benefits Questionnaire opinions inadequate, and thus remands the cases for new etiology opinions that address the Veteran's lay statements regarding in-service noise exposure and symptom onset.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as whether they are related to service. The Veteran's claims for service connection will be remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection on multiple conditions have been dismissed due to his death.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings due to incomplete records, conflicting diagnoses, and functional limitations. The issues are inextricably intertwined with the TDIU claim.

The case is being remanded for further development to determine the current severity of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, including its functional effects and impact on employment.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss, granted those claims, and remanded the remaining issues of service connection for low back condition, peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity, peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, and left hip condition.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss has been withdrawn.,The Veteran's GERD with gastritis is rated at 60 percent, which meets the criteria for an increased rating under Diagnostic Code 7346.,The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and GERD with gastritis qualify him for special monthly compensation (SMC) under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s).

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to new and material evidence, as well as other issues related to his PTSD claim. The VA is instructed to obtain all relevant records, including SSA records, and schedule a VA psychiatric examination.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development, including service connection claims and rating determinations. The Veteran's tinnitus remains rated at 10 percent, a compensable rating for his left leg scar is needed, and the VA will conduct new examinations to determine the etiology of any hearing loss, psychiatric disorders, back disabilities, knee disabilities, and cephalgia.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between his in-service noise exposure and his current hearing disability. The earliest indication of bilateral hearing loss following discharge from service was found at the November 2018 VA examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.