Hearing loss Board decisions

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) based on his service-connected PTSD and other disabilities.

The Veteran was granted TDIU from August 17, 2016 to November 7, 2017 due to his service-connected disabilities. Effective November 7, 2017, the issue of TDIU is moot as he now has a combined rating of 100%.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus is currently rated at 10 percent prior to October 11, 2013, and at 30 percent thereafter. The Board found no evidence of a severe disability warranting higher ratings.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus was denied as there was insufficient evidence linking the current conditions to service.

The Board dismissed the petition to reopen the claim of service connection for hearing loss. The petitions to reopen claims for service connection for tinnitus, sinusitis, migraines, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) were granted. Service connection was denied for a left hip disorder, right hip disorder, left knee disorder, right knee disorder, and low back disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss was evaluated as noncompensable due to the lack of evidence showing a compensable degree of hearing impairment in either ear.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of regular aid and attendance, qualifying for special monthly compensation at the higher rate. He also qualifies for assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing due to his significant service-connected disability affecting both lower extremities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left ear hearing loss is service-connected, as it is a result of noise exposure during his military service.

The Board has remanded the cases of bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus for further development due to conflicting evidence on causation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including bilateral foot disability, bilateral hearing loss, sinusitis, and an acquired psychiatric disability. The evidence submitted since the last denial was found to be cumulative and not new or material.

The Board granted service connection for left ear hearing loss and denied it for right ear hearing loss. The Veteran's ED, MDD with anxiety, and brain atrophy are remanded for further review.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to determine if any acquired psychiatric disorder is related to service.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the preponderance of evidence is against a link between current hearing loss and in-service noise exposure.,The Board remanded the claim for peripheral neuropathy due to Agent Orange exposure, noting insufficient rationale for the VA examiner's opinion and requesting further clarification from medical opinions provided by Drs. M.H. and N.S.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran will need a VA examination to address whether his hearing loss clearly and unmistakably preexisted service, if so, whether it was aggravated in service beyond its natural progression, and whether any increase in severity is due to the natural progress of the condition or aggravation by active service.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the conditions began during military service and are related to exposure to loud noises.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was denied as he failed to provide the necessary employment information and did not report for scheduled VA examinations, leading to his abandonment of the claim.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss and headaches were denied as service connection was not established.,An initial compensable rating for left ear hearing loss, effective prior to February 10, 2012 for the grant of service connection for tinnitus, and an effective date prior to February 10, 2012 for the grant of service connection for left ear hearing loss were also denied.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for right shoulder, low back, and right knee disabilities due to new evidence showing possible in-service onset of symptoms.,Service connection is granted for bilateral hearing loss disability as it meets the definition of a present disability under VA regulations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his active military service, granting service connection for both conditions.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including for sleep apnea, migraine headaches, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression), bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and hypertension. The left inguinal hernia claim is also remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are remanded due to missing records, need for new examinations, and the need for VA examinations and medical opinions.