Hearing loss decisions — 2018

The Veteran's appeals for service connection have been withdrawn. The Board has remanded the issues of bilateral hearing loss, hypertension, DJD right knee, and DJD left knee to allow for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for higher ratings for left knee disability and bilateral hearing loss due to missing medical records and a need for further examination.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted as service connected, with the Board finding that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for hearing loss, an acquired psychiatric disorder, increased evaluations for his bilateral knee disabilities, and nonservice-connected pension benefits. The Veteran must be provided with a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any diagnosed psychiatric disorder, including depressive disorder. If the examiner determines that the psychiatric disorder is not related to active duty service or a service-connected disability, they should provide an opinion as to whether it is at least as likely as not caused by or aggravated by his service-connected bilateral knee disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and abnormal liver/kidney disease were denied as there is no current disability or evidence of a relationship to service.

The Veteran's initial claim for a compensable rating for left ear hearing loss was denied. For the period prior to January 21, 2016, his back disability received an initial rating in excess of 10 percent. From January 21, 2016 forward, he received a 20 percent rating for his back disability. He also received separate ratings for left lower extremity radiculopathy and PTSD. The Veteran's TBI claim was denied.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and Parkinson's disease (claimed as due to herbicide agents exposure) because the evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.

The Veteran's application to reopen the claim for service connection for right ear hearing loss was denied as no new and material evidence had been submitted.,An effective date earlier than February 26, 2013, for service connection for status-post esophageal cancer was denied as there is no communication prior to February 26, 2013, that could be construed as an earlier claim.,The Veteran's rating for status-post esophageal cancer with residual GERD was granted at 10 percent and the issue of entitlement to a higher rating was remanded.,Secondary service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (depression) due to service-connected disabilities was granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to his nonservice-connected tremor in his right hand.

The Veteran's initial claim for a compensable rating for service-connected bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to the need for further examination and evaluation.

The Veteran's initial ratings for coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, and bilateral hearing loss are denied. The appeal is remanded for further evaluation of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss and entitlement to an earlier effective date are being remanded. The claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities is also being remanded.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, but granted service connection for right and left ankle disorders and severe back pain. The remaining issues have been remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than June 30, 2014, for the award of a 10 percent rating for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus was denied. Service connection and a 10 percent initial rating were granted as of March 28, 2012.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination results and requests for another VA audiological examination.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is determined to be a result of acoustic trauma sustained during active service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have worsened, but the RO is proposing to reduce his rating for chronic prostatitis. The Board finds that more information is needed about the impact of these conditions on his ability to perform daily activities and whether they render him housebound or in need of aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee disorder is denied as there is no evidence of a chronic condition during service and the preponderance of the evidence fails to establish a relationship with service.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied because the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a present disability under VA regulations. The Board finds that his current hearing status does not qualify him for compensation based on noise exposure in service.,The claim for tinnitus is granted as the initial onset occurred within one year of discharge and there is no evidence against it being related to service.,Barrett's esophagus is denied because there is no evidence of a chronic condition during service, and the preponderance of the evidence fails to establish a relationship with service.,Left hand numbness is denied as there is no evidence of a chronic condition during service, and the preponderance of the evidence fails to establish a relationship with service.,Right hand numbness is denied for similar reasons: no chronic condition during service and failure to establish a relationship with service.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear hearing loss and tinnitus, but denied service connection for right ear hearing loss and a right thumb scar.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not establish a current disability, as there is no record of any hearing loss or significant communication difficulties.