Hearing loss Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, hearing loss, and tinnitus have rendered him unable to maintain substantially gainful employment since March 26, 2014. The Board granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) from that date.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss and a disability manifested by numbness and pain in the buttocks and lower extremities, to include as secondary to a low back disorder due to insufficient evidence or procedural issues.

The Board dismissed the claim for service connection for right ear hearing loss due to the Veteran's withdrawal. The TDIU claim for the period prior to September 30, 2015 was denied as the Veteran’s service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing and following any substantially gainful employment.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection of bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and earlier effective dates for major depression with anxiety disorder and tinea pedis. The Veteran's right shoulder, left knee, and right knee disabilities were granted service connection based on in-service injuries.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is being remanded for a new VA audiological examination to determine the current severity of his disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss should be remanded due to inadequate examination and failure to address in-service noise exposure.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection due to missing VA treatment records, as well as a need for further examination of his lumbar spine disability. The Veteran's claim for reopening a previously denied left knee disability is also remanded.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus as there was no evidence of in-service noise exposure causing current hearing loss or tinnitus.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to new evidence being added to the record after a Substantive Appeal was filed. The VA treatment records detailing the Veteran's treatment for her claimed conditions are relevant and must be reviewed.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the evidence is in relative equipoise as to whether these conditions are related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss is related to his service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected due to noise exposure during service and his now service-connected bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left ear hearing loss is service connected, but remands for further development regarding his back pain and right ear hearing loss claims. The TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are at least as likely as not related to exposure to loud noise during his military service.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for a respiratory disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus have been granted. The respiratory claim is based on direct evidence, while the hearing loss and tinnitus claims are based on continuous symptoms since service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is considered a disability for VA benefits purposes and the Board finds that noise exposure during his active service caused his hearing loss. Therefore, the claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is granted.

The Veteran's service connection claims for an eye disability, a right ear hearing loss disability, and a respiratory disability were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not have any current disabilities related to his claimed conditions, as there was no evidence of chronicity or superimposed disease/injury during service.

The Board has remanded several claims, including those for initial compensable ratings for bilateral dry eye disorder and tension headaches, service connection for various conditions, and a VA examination is required to address the etiology of hypertension.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations and evaluations to determine the nature, etiology, and severity of his right wrist disability and whether it is related to his service-connected conditions. The initial evaluation for bilateral hearing loss remains denied as there is no evidence showing a compensable level of impairment. The higher staged evaluations for PTSD are also being remanded due to new information that may affect the Veteran's employability.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims of service connection for low back disability, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus due to the need for further medical examination.