Hearing loss Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable, as he is able to perform his previous job duties despite his hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Veteran's tinnitus is likely attributable to his active military service, and the Board finds it as likely as not that he has hearing loss that began during his period of service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including depression and neurological disorders, render him unemployable. The Board finds that a total disability rating based on individual unemployability is warranted for the entire appeal period.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including access to an electronic claims file and a VA examination.

The VA determined that the Veteran's tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss are not related to his military service, finding no evidence of noise exposure or acoustic trauma during his time in active duty.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability has been rated as noncompensable since September 2007. The VA examinations conducted prior to April 18, 2012, did not show symptoms that warranted a higher rating.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss has been consistently rated as zero percent disabling throughout the appeal period, with no evidence of functional impairment or other issues that would warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's tinnitus was found to be incurred in service, and his left ear hearing loss is related to service. The Board has granted the claim for tinnitus but remanded for further action on the issue of left ear hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is entitled to a TDIU rating due to his service-connected disabilities, considering all relevant factors including his education and occupational background.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus are not related to his military service, as there is no evidence of in-service hearing loss or tinnitus. The VA examiner found that any current hearing loss and tinnitus are more likely due to post-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound is remanded due to lack of recent VA examinations and consideration of new evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and peripheral neuropathy in the upper and lower extremities, but denied service connection for hypertension, GERD, a spinal disorder, and ED. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is related to his military noise exposure. Service connection was not established for hypertension or GERD as they are not related to diabetes mellitus. Peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity and right lower extremity were granted initial evaluations of 40 percent each.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are at least as likely related to his in-service noise exposure. The claim of reopening a gastrointestinal disability is also granted.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, but these issues are now remanded to further develop the evidence.

The Board found no evidence of a current bilateral hearing loss disability within one year after service, and the November 2011 VA examination concluded that it is less likely than not related to service. The Veteran's contentions were therefore outweighed by the medical opinion.

The Veteran's service connection claims for tuberculosis, hepatitis, chronic allergic conjunctivitis of the eyes, sinusitis, and heart murmur were granted. He was also granted a noncompensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and allergic rhinitis. The claim for increased ratings for degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine, hemorrhoids, and inguinal hernia with right testicle pain is pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining his service personnel records and treatment records from 1969 to 2000. A VA examination is also needed to address the relationship between the Veteran's current respiratory disorder and his active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to service, and therefore denied both claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability was not incurred or aggravated during service and is not related to military noise exposure. As a result, the claim for service connection is denied.