Hearing loss Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance of another person or by reason of being housebound, as he is able to perform most daily activities with assistance when needed.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher initial evaluation for bilateral hearing loss prior to June 2, 2015 is addressed in the REMAND portion of the decision. The Board has determined that the criteria for a disability evaluation in excess of 40 percent for bilateral hearing loss after June 2, 2015 have not been met.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss is a result of service exposure to noise, and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including TBI and audiological examinations.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for an addendum VA examination to determine the etiology of his bilateral hearing loss, which he asserts was caused by in-service acoustic trauma. The examiner must consider the Veteran's assertions and medical literature regarding age-related hearing loss.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded to the RO for further development and consideration. The appellant, as a substituted claimant, will be given an opportunity to clarify her desire to attend a Board video-conference hearing.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as he does not meet the criteria for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss has been denied as his current auditory acuity does not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The Board finds that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is related to acoustic trauma incurred during his military service, and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran seeks service connection for bilateral hearing loss, which he claims is due to in-service noise exposure. The Board has ordered a remand as the VA examiner did not consider the lay statements regarding the onset of his claimed hearing loss and the internal contradiction in the February 1970 enlistment examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability. The Veteran's claim for service connection will be reconsidered after obtaining a supplemental opinion.

The Veteran's hearing acuity was not shown to be worse than Level I in either ear from March 21, 2005 to October 20, 2011. Therefore, a compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss disability has not been met at any point during this period.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and residuals of a right shoulder injury are related to his service, thus granting service connection for these conditions.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current ear disabilities, including bilateral tympanic membrane perforations due to recurrent otorrhea and bilateral hearing loss, were not incurred or aggravated during active service. The evidence does not support a finding of aggravation beyond its natural progression.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to address the etiology of his bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current left ear hearing loss disability for VA purposes and therefore, service connection cannot be granted.

The Veteran's hearing loss is currently rated as 0 percent disabling, and the claim for a compensable evaluation has been denied.,For peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity prior to January 11, 2017, the Veteran was assigned a 10 percent rating. From that date forward, he is entitled to a 20 percent rating. The claim for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent has been denied.,For peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity prior to January 11, 2017, the Veteran was assigned a 10 percent rating. From that date forward, he is entitled to a 20 percent rating. The claim for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent has been denied.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for service-connected bilateral hearing loss has been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not warrant a higher rating at any point during the appeal period.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is related to his in-service noise exposure, and grants service connection for this disability.

The Veteran's claims for hypertension and bilateral hearing loss disability are being remanded due to the failure to attend a scheduled VA examination. A new examination is required.