Hearing loss Board decisions

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including a VA examination and consideration of new evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional medical opinions and evidence. The issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and TDIU are inextricably intertwined.

The Veteran's hearing loss is rated at 50 percent effective December 31, 2013. A TDIU is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including depressive disorder and tinnitus, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board finds that he meets the criteria for TDIU based on his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination for his hearing loss and an opportunity to perfect his disagreement on service connection for residuals of traumatic brain injury.

The Veteran's hearing loss has been rated at 40% since June 30, 2010 and increased to 50% effective August 29, 2015. His PTSD is currently rated at 30%. Both conditions have been granted.,PTSD symptoms include occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of his claims, including those related to bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, PTSD, muscle injuries from SFWs, scars, and malaria.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals on all issues, including the ones related to hearing loss and tinnitus. The appeal for PTSD evaluation is also dismissed.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found no new and material evidence to reopen the claim for hearing loss of the right ear, and denied all other issues.

The Veteran's claim for additional dependency benefits was granted with an effective date of December 1, 1995.

The Veteran's claim for a higher level of special monthly compensation due to need for aid and attendance is being remanded as additional examination is needed to assess the extent of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence, including service personnel records and VA treatment records. The Veteran also needs a VA audiological examination to determine if his hearing loss is related to service.

The Veteran's preexisting bilateral hearing loss was not shown to have increased in severity during his period of active service, and thus he is denied service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are directly related to his military service, including exposure to noise during his time as an aircraft mechanic. As a result, the claims for service connection have been granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus are related to his military service, with doubt resolved in favor of the Veteran. The claims for service connection have been granted.

The Board has determined that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's tinnitus is the result of active duty service, and therefore grants service connection for tinnitus. The issue of bilateral hearing loss will be remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a higher initial rating of 70 percent, effective March 5, 2012. Service connection for tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, sleep apnea, migraines, back injury, and residuals of left ankle/foot injury have also been established.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is service-connected, as it was shown to have been incurred during active service with symptoms since separation.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for a VA examination and additional development of records. The Veteran's hearing loss condition is still under review.