Hearing loss Board decisions

The Veteran's asthma, acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD, anxiety, and depression), back disability, cervical spine disability, heart disability, bilateral ankle disability, left foot disability, right foot disability, bilateral hip disability, bilateral knee disability, and bilateral shoulder disability are not service connected. The Veteran's tinnitus and hearing loss were found to be aggravated by service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment prior to April 29, 2010. From that date until the present, his PTSD alone does not meet the criteria for a TDIU.

The Board has granted service connection for dementia, but the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are remanded due to incomplete audiometric testing data.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for clarification of private audiogram results and obtaining updated VA and private treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain clarification on the speech discrimination test used in his June 2012 audiological evaluation, and for additional VA examinations. The issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service connected disability (TDIU) is also inextricably intertwined with the hearing loss claim.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not meet the schedular criteria for a TDIU, and his employment difficulties are attributed to non-service connected factors.

The Veteran has a current bilateral hearing loss disability and the evidence is at least in equipoise regarding whether this condition is related to service. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's left ear hearing loss did not manifest during service or within one year of his separation, and there is no evidence linking it to service. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation, thus granting his claim for TDIU.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was not shown to have manifested during service or within one year of separation, and a continuity of symptoms after discharge from active service has not been established.,There is no competent evidence of a diagnosed left knee disability. The Veteran reported pain in the left knee but there are no records indicating any chronic condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA audiogram results and a new VA examination to assess the severity of his right hand scars.

The Board has reopened the previously denied claim of service connection for a respiratory condition, including lung disability and bronchial asthma. The Veteran's new evidence includes VA and private treatment records indicating current respiratory or lung disorders and his assertion that he was treated for pneumonia while in service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is attributable to service and granted service connection for this condition. The bilateral hearing loss disability claim was also granted, with the reasoning being that it is related to noise exposure during service.

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. However, the Board finds that there is no evidence showing that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability was caused by his in-service noise exposure or manifested within one year of service separation.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The Veteran's current diagnoses of bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service, including noise exposure therein.

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

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a new audiological examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a VA audiological examination and consideration of his additional claims concerning other ear conditions.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before a decision can be reached on the merits of the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and bilateral hearing loss, prevent him from engaging in substantially gainful employment for which his education and occupational experience would otherwise qualify him. The Board finds that a TDIU rating is warranted throughout the appeal period.