Hearing loss Board decisions

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty to assist error in failing to obtain an adequate VA opinion regarding the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's son, B.L.H., is recognized as a 'helpless child' due to permanent incapacity for self-support prior to the age of 18. The Board found that B.L.H.'s mental development disability resulted in significant functional impairment and rendered him incapable of self-support before turning 18.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis of tinnitus began during active service and is related to his military noise exposure. The claims for headaches and bilateral hearing loss were denied as there was no persuasive evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to correct a pre-decisional duty to assist error, as the VA examiner's opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are inadequate. The case will be returned for further development.

The Veteran's initial claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied. The VA audiological evaluation showed Level I hearing acuity in both ears, which does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss has been evaluated as non-compensable. The evidence does not support a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, left ankle disability, left heel disability, and ear drainage have all been denied. The Board found no current disabilities that meet the criteria for these conditions based on VA standards.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus. The cases of left knee and hip degenerative arthritis, as well as bilateral hearing loss, are remanded due to inadequate VA examination opinions.

The Veteran is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.,Erectile dysfunction associated with prostate cancer status post radical prostatectomy is denied as the evidence does not demonstrate a 'deformity' with loss of erectile power.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back disability, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus due to a lack of STRs. The AOJ is required to request these records from the Department of Defense/DPRIS and schedule the Veteran for VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed disabilities.

The Board dismissed the appeals as to bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus because the Veteran did not timely file a VA Form 10182, which is required for appealing these claims. The appeal was dismissed due to lack of good cause.

The Veteran's claims for a compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss and a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus have been denied. The Veteran is currently receiving the highest schedular ratings allowed under VA regulations.

Your appeals for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been dismissed because you did not timely file an appeal within the required one-year period after receiving the February 2019 rating decision.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection of a right knee disability and bilateral hearing loss, thus the issues are dismissed.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated as noncompensable, and his right index finger fracture residuals are also rated as noncompensable. The Veteran's hypertension is rated as noncompensable.,The Veteran's right index finger fracture residuals do not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent. His bilateral hearing loss does not qualify for an exceptional pattern of hearing, and his hypertension has been controlled with medication throughout the appeal period.,The Veteran's hypertension is rated as noncompensable because it does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation under DC 7101.

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

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability and lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis and intervertebral disc syndrome (lumbar spine disability) have been granted service connection. The Veteran's PTSD has also been granted service connection, but the hypertension secondary to PTSD and diabetes mellitus remain pending issues.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, a disorder manifested by balance issues, and SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance due to the complexity of the issues and the need for additional development.

The Veteran's initial compensable disability evaluation for left ear hearing loss was denied.,The Veteran's other specified anxiety disorder claim is remanded, as well as his TDIU claim.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to their death during the pendency of the appeal. The Board cannot issue a decision on the underlying claims at this time.