Hearing loss Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of regular aid and attendance, which is granted for the period from June 2010 to May 2013.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of chronic bronchitis, residuals of a left fifth finger dislocation, or right ring finger disorder. Service connection was also denied for right ankle and foot disorders, as well as right shoulder and bilateral hearing loss.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that his current right ear hearing loss is not causally related to in-service noise exposure and that his left ear hearing loss was aggravated by pre-existing conditions during service. The Veteran's military records show a noted hearing impairment at entry into service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an extraschedular rating for bilateral hearing loss prior to April 4, 2012, finding that the available schedular ratings adequately accounted for his disability.

The Board found that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss and tinnitus did not manifest during or as a result of active military service, and thus denied the claims for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, scar of the left inner arm, and PTSD) alone were found to be of such severity as to preclude him from obtaining or maintaining any gainful employment between July 9, 2009, and his death in December 2012.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient analysis and failure to provide an adequate statement of reasons or bases for its decision. The Veteran's claim is being returned to the AOJ for further action, including scheduling a VA examination at a more convenient location.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a disability manifested by uncontrollable body shakes is denied as there is no evidence of any neurological disorder or other ascertainable chronic disability. The Veteran's TDIU claim is also denied as his service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable.

The Veteran does not have a current hearing loss disability for VA purposes in either ear, and the evidence is against finding that his tinnitus began during service or is related to service. The Board finds no basis for granting service connection.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss has been withdrawn.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are denied. The claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD is remanded.

The Board is remanding the case for scheduling a Travel Board hearing before a Veterans Law Judge.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for medical examinations to address his claims of service connection for various conditions. The issues remain in a state of pending resolution.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The case will be returned to the AOJ for further action.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn for the issues of entitlement to service connection for a cervical spine injury and right ear hearing loss.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression has been rated at 70 percent since August 19, 2014. The rating is based on the severity of symptoms and occupational/social impairment.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Video Conference hearing due to his failure to report for the scheduled hearing. The issues of service connection for various conditions are still pending.

The Veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection, and he is entitled to SMC based on the need for aid and attendance due to his spine fusion.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and additional development of his claims file.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss are related to his military service, granting service connection for these conditions.