Hearing loss decisions — 2018

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed because the appellant died during the pendency of the appeal, and thus the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of the claims.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, diabetes mellitus type II, hypertension secondary to diabetes mellitus type II, hepatitis C, and cirrhosis of liver (secondary to hepatitis C) due to insufficient evidence regarding exposure to herbicide agents in Okinawa. The Veteran's service records indicate he was stationed at Kadena Air Force Base from January 1970 to August 1971.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there is no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his military service. The claim for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD remains pending as additional information is needed from the Veteran regarding his treatment records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment prior to December 3, 2009. The Board denied his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to these conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the claim for an earlier effective date due to missing service treatment records, and requests that all relevant repositories be contacted to determine their availability.

Service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus is denied.,Service connection for a respiratory disorder and dental disorders are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, diabetes mellitus with cataracts, and bilateral hearing loss rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to August 17, 2016, and from December 1, 2016, to February 28, 2017.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records and further development of the case.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss is granted service connection. The claims for acquired psychiatric disorder, thoracolumbar spine disorder, and right knee disorder are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a retinal tear of the right eye is denied as there is no current disability and no evidence of an in-service injury or disease.,Service connection for hearing loss of the left ear is granted due to credible reports of noise exposure during active duty and currently diagnosed hearing loss.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss does not meet the criteria for a disability under VA standards, so his claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's request for an increased rating for his bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to the lack of a recent VA examination. A new examination is required to assess the current severity and functional effects of his condition.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and readjudication due to incomplete service records. The Veteran's claims for service connection will be reconsidered based on new evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss has worsened, and a new VA examination is needed to determine the current severity of his condition.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, heart condition, and acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia). The decision found no new evidence to reopen the claim for bilateral hearing loss. Service connection was not granted for the heart condition or acquired psychiatric disorders due to lack of a medical link to service.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear hearing loss, but remanded the issue of right ear hearing loss due to potential preexisting condition and aggravation during service.

The Board is remanding the claims for bilateral hearing loss disability, left leg cold injury residuals, and peripheral arterial disease residual of left leg cold injury due to outstanding VA treatment records. The Veteran's service connection claims are being remanded as there may be a current or past hearing loss disability for VA purposes.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for additional development due to the need for updated employment evaluations and consideration of all relevant medical records.

The Board has remanded the issues of entitlement to a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and reduction from 10% to noncompensable, as well as compensation for these conditions since March 1, 2016.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and examinations. The hearing loss claim is also being remanded as the Veteran did not appear at her scheduled VA examination.