Hearing loss Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of recurrent urinary tract infections and thus is not entitled to service connection for this condition.,For the right ear hearing loss, the evidence shows no current disability as defined by VA regulations. The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating remains pending.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is related to his in-service noise exposure. Further examination and opinion are needed from an appropriate clinician.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) are all denied. The current ratings for bilateral hearing loss, left lower extremity cold injury residuals, right lower extremity cold injury residuals, and anxiety disorder NOS are found to be appropriate.

The Veteran's psychiatric disability has been granted an increased rating of 70 percent, but not greater. The issue of a higher rating for bilateral hearing loss is remanded and the issue of TDIU prior to August 7, 2017 remains on appeal.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated as noncompensable, with the average pure tone threshold being 65 decibels in the right ear and 56 decibels in the left ear. The Board denied an initial compensable rating for his bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's appeal to establish the timeliness of his Substantive Appeal for initial ratings on left elbow and bilateral hearing loss disabilities is granted. The RO found that the appeal was timely filed, considering a due process violation.

The Veteran's need for aid and attendance was determined to be due to a nonservice-connected neurocognitive disorder, not his service-connected PTSD with depression. Therefore, SMC based on the need for aid and attendance is denied.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including those for right shoulder disability, cervical spine degenerative disc disease, lumbar strain, left knee strain, right knee scars, bilateral hearing loss, and adjustment disorder with anxiety. The VA treatment records from December 2014 to the present are requested.

The Board has determined that the award of service connection for right upper extremity radiculopathy was clearly and unmistakably erroneous, and thus severed. The Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee disability, left knee disability, bilateral hearing loss, and Dependents' Educational Assistance benefits are remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left ear hearing loss is not related to his active duty service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus but remanded the issue of service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to lack of evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for a left knee disability and denied an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has been rated as noncompensable (zero percent) since March 31, 2011. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on the current level of disability.

The Veteran was granted service connection for recurrent tinnitus, but denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection and initial compensable ratings for various conditions, including left-hand disability, bilateral hearing loss disability, erectile dysfunction, scar on the back, and status post fracture of the right fifth metacarpal. The evidence did not support a finding of current disabilities or a link to service.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. Service connection is remanded for a skin disorder, including porphyria cutanea tarda, due to herbicide exposure.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence addressing whether his current disabilities are related to his military service. Additional medical opinions and examinations are needed.

The appeal for service connection of a left elbow condition is dismissed. Service connection for tinnitus has been granted, but the other issues are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to December 26, 2010 for TDIU was denied as there is no evidence showing he was unable to obtain and maintain gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities during the relevant period.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (PTSD, hypertension, COPD, tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, and erectile dysfunction) precluded him from securing and following substantially gainful employment during the period from January 12, 2007 through July 22, 2009. As a result, he was granted a TDIU for this period.