Hearing loss decisions — 2018

The Veteran's appeal for clothing allowances is denied because the items claimed (antifungal cream, custom insoles, back brace, and knee braces) are not prescribed for service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied reopening of the service connection claim for hearing loss in the right ear as no new and material evidence was submitted, despite previous noise exposure and current disability.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for his bilateral hearing loss was denied as the audiometric results did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus as there is insufficient evidence regarding their etiology.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for right ear hearing loss and sleep apnea (secondary to PTSD) is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is at least as likely as not related to noise exposure during his military service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's initial rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied as his disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. However, he is granted a TDIU effective October 18, 2010.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and an initial compensable rating for pleural plaques are remanded due to inadequate examination reports.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus was denied as his disabilities did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under VA's tables. The Board found that his service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable due to their impact on employment.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, lung condition, fatigue, shortness of breath, and right-sided pain due to lack of sufficient evidence in the record.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to failure to report to scheduled VA examinations and because of lack of entitlement under the law. The claims will be reconsidered after new evidence is obtained.

The Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to December 8, 2004 and May 3, 2017 are being remanded as the RO/AMC needs to issue a Statement of the Case on these issues.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss based on the April 2018 expert medical opinion linking in-service noise exposure to current hearing loss.

The Veteran's appeals to reopen claims for service connection for tinnitus, hearing loss, and residuals of a head injury are granted. The appeal seeking to reopen the claim for service connection for hearing loss is also remanded.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable, and no higher rating is warranted.,PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since April 24, 2017. Higher ratings are not warranted for PTSD.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, hypertension, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and insomnia. The decision is based on a lack of current disability diagnoses that meet VA criteria.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was reopened due to new and material evidence. However, the claim remains denied as there is no causal relationship between his current hearing loss and military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss disability and heart murmur as service connection, due to incomplete records and need for medical opinions.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus prevent him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's currently diagnosed bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his in-service noise exposure, granting service connection for these conditions.