Hearing loss decisions — 2018

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss results in no worse than Level II hearing acuity. The appeal for service connection of lung cancer and hypothyroidism is remanded due to lack of exposure evidence.

The Veteran's service connection claims for ischemic heart disease and prostate cancer are granted due to presumed exposure to herbicides. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and Meniere's disease. The right foot disability claim is denied with a remand for further review. Other issues remain pending.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss and increased disability ratings for his service-connected residuals of fracture of the left wrist, trigger finger, sarcoidosis, and scar on the left first metacarpal (thumb). The appeals were based on direct service connection without any presumption or secondary basis.

Service connection is granted for left ear hearing loss and coronary artery disease due to in-service noise exposure and presumed Agent Orange exposure, respectively.,The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, anxiety disorder, and depression, as well as his respiratory disorders (sinusitis, obstructive sleep apnea, acute respiratory disorder) are remanded for further examination.

The Board granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current hearing loss disability is as likely as not related to his exposure to loud noises during active duty service.

The Veteran's appeal for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is dismissed. The Board has remanded the issues of increased ratings for diabetes mellitus, type II and PTSD with generalized anxiety disorder, as well as the TDIU claim.

The Veteran's hearing loss in the left ear is rated at 0 percent, and their insomnia is currently rated at 10 percent. Both conditions are denied as there is no basis for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to August 30, 2016 is granted as his service-connected disabilities meet the schedular criteria and render him unable to engage in substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including bilateral arm disorder, neck disorder, osteoarthritis of the right knee, bilateral hearing loss, and headaches. The decision also noted that the Veteran's tinnitus was rated at 10%.

The Board denied service connection for a right ankle disability, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The Veteran did not have a current right ankle disability or bilateral hearing loss at the time of his separation from service. There is no evidence of noise exposure in service that could cause tinnitus.,There was no significant threshold shift in the Veteran's hearing during service, and there is no probative medical evidence linking his current bilateral hearing loss to service.

The Veteran's initial evaluations for bilateral tinnitus and hearing loss have been denied. The Board has ordered a new examination to determine the current severity of his service-connected hearing loss, as he reported worsening symptoms at his January 2018 hearing. His TDIU claim is also remanded due to its inextricability with the increased rating issue.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD. The remaining claims of service connection for multiple joint arthritis, bilateral hearing loss, sleep apnea, diabetes mellitus type II, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, and organic impotence are remanded due to outstanding VA treatment records.

The Board has dismissed the appeal for all service connection claims due to the appellant's withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is service-connected, as it is at least as likely as not caused by his in-service noise exposure during combat.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The issues include low back disorder, bilateral hearing loss, coronary artery disease, hypertension, partial colon removal, kidney disorders, tremor disorder, and neurological disorder of the feet.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of left ankle disorder, lower back disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and Hepatitis C as they are all related to a deceased veteran.

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.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current disabilities are related to his in-service acoustic trauma. The effective date is not specified.

The Veteran's initial claim for bilateral hearing loss was granted, but he is seeking a higher rating and TDIU. The Board has ordered the case to be remanded due to the need for updated VA treatment records and a new VA audiological examination.