Hearing loss Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities were of sufficient severity to preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment from September 4, 2012, to May 27, 2014.

The Board found that the Veteran's current left ear hearing loss and tinnitus are not service-connected due to lack of in-service onset or continuity of symptoms since service.

The Board has remanded the claims due to a lack of clarity in the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The case is now pending for further adjudication.

The Board is remanding the case to provide another opportunity for a VA examination and to ensure that all necessary development has been completed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of right ear hearing loss for VA purposes, and thus service connection cannot be granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is due to in-service noise exposure and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board finds that H.C. was not permanently incapable of self-support by reason of mental or physical defect before the date of attaining the age of 18 years, and therefore does not meet the criteria for recognition as a 'helpless child'.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a TDIU as he is currently employed full-time and does not have one disability rated at least 60% or a combined rating of at least 70%. The Board finds that his employment does not preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's combined disability rating of 70 percent, including his service-connected diabetes mellitus and diabetic retinopathy, met the schedular criteria for a TDIU effective February 11, 2004. The issue is now moot as of April 20, 2016 when the Veteran's combined disability rating reached 100 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inadequate medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's preexisting hearing loss was aggravated during service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current hearing loss disability in her left ear for VA compensation purposes, and therefore service connection is denied.

The Veteran's service connection for coronary artery disease was granted, and a rating of 30 percent was assigned effective from November 22, 2010. The appeal is also granted for the earlier effective date for left ear hearing loss.

The Board found no current diagnosis of a bilateral hearing loss disability for VA purposes and denied the Veteran's claim for service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back disability, COPD, exudative pharyngitis, and bilateral hearing loss disability. The decision also addressed his PTSD claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to scheduling issues and will schedule a Travel Board hearing before the RO.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is related to his service, specifically his exposure to noise during his time as an aircraft mechanic in the Air National Guard. As a result, the claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is granted.

The Veteran's tinnitus was incurred in service and is granted. The remaining issues on appeal are remanded for additional development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is not related to his military service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under VA disability evaluation guidelines. The Veteran is therefore denied an initial compensable rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain VA treatment records and conduct a VA examination. The issues of entitlement to TDIU are also inextricably intertwined with the remaining issues on appeal.