Hearing loss Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities require regular aid and attendance, warranting special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and current diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorder are granted as service-connected. The Board found the evidence in equipoise regarding a nexus to military service.

The Veteran's appeal of the proposed reduction in his bilateral hearing loss disability rating from 60 percent to 50 percent is dismissed because the appeal was submitted prematurely.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to a lack of current diagnosis. The claims for left hip strain, right hip strain, and lumbosacral strain are remanded as the Veteran's current diagnoses have not been addressed.

The Veteran's compensation benefits were overpaid due to a mistake in the calculation of rates for his spouse, who had passed away. The debt is waived because the fault lies with VA and on balance equity and good conscience favor granting the waiver.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus was initially denied in 2013 and again in 2015 and 2017. The Veteran filed a new claim on August 3, 2020, which was timely submitted after the one-year deadline. An effective date of August 3, 2020, but no earlier, is granted for the award of service connection for tinnitus.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was evaluated and found to warrant a disability rating of 60 percent, effective from the date of the March 2024 supplemental claim decision.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there is no current disability of either condition for VA compensation purposes.

The Veteran's service-connected hearing impairment, including otosclerosis and BPPV with left ear hearing loss, is now rated at 100 percent effective March 14, 2024.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss, finding that his hearing loss is related to his in-service noise exposure and resolving any doubt in his favor.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and the claims for service connection are not considered valid as a result.

The Board has denied service connection for migraine disability and remanded the issues of bilateral hearing loss, back injury, left hip disability, and right hip disability due to lack of evidence supporting a nexus between these conditions and service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and hearing loss have rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment since October 12, 2021. TDIU is granted.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, chronic cough, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The appeals are dismissed.

The Board has restored the Veteran's previous 30% disability rating for bilateral hearing loss, finding that there was an actual improvement in her hearing and that this improvement reflects a better ability to function under ordinary conditions of life.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current reports of in-service onset are credible and resolving reasonable doubt in his favor. Service connection is denied for bilateral hearing loss as there is no evidence of a current disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error in the July 2021 VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for tinnitus is denied as the maximum schedular rating of 10 percent has been assigned. The claim for a compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to missing audiogram records.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and sleep apnea as there is no evidence of a nexus between the current disabilities and military noise exposure or active service.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current disabilities are related to his military service.