Hearing loss Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy was denied. However, his rating for bilateral hearing loss was reduced from 10% to 0%, effective July 1, 2016.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with anxiety is granted, rated at 30 percent prior to August 26, 2015 and increased to 50 percent thereafter. Bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are also granted as related to service noise exposure.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been granted. Bilateral hearing loss is found to be related to active service, while tinnitus is proximately due to the service-connected bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is rated at 70 percent since February 20, 2013. The claim for TDIU prior to September 9, 2009, and special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance of another person or based on housebound status are granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is due to or aggravated by in-service noise exposure, and thus service connection for bilateral hearing loss is granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus did not have their onset or manifestation in service, and therefore denied his claims for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for sleep apnea was withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his in-service exposure. The effective date is not specified as it was a direct grant of service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is related to his military service, and thus grants service connection for this condition. The issue of tinnitus remains pending as there are conflicting opinions regarding its etiology.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining the Veteran's Reserve service records and procuring an addendum opinion from a VA examiner regarding his hearing loss.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating, including obtaining medical records and conducting further examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is service-connected as it is a result of noise exposure during his active duty in Southwest Asia.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for right ear hearing loss has been reopened and granted. The Board found that new and material evidence had been received to reopen the claim, as evidenced by additional personal statements and VA and private treatment records indicating in-service noise exposure and a consistent relationship between current hearing loss and military service.

The Veteran's tinnitus is service-connected as secondary to his service-connected bilateral hearing loss. The claims for service connection for bilateral knee disorders, hypertension, and loss of vision in the right eye are denied due to lack of evidence linking these conditions with service. The Veteran's allergic rhinitis is currently rated noncompensably disabling.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's symptoms began in service. The appeal of PTSD was withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including scheduling a VA audiological examination and obtaining additional treatment records.

The Veteran's hearing loss is service-connected, and his PTSD warrants a rating of 70 percent. The Board finds that the symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination to determine his need for aid and attendance or housebound benefits. The referred issues of service connection will also be addressed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records from Arkansas and updating the supplemental statement of the case.