Hearing loss decisions — 2018

The Veteran's service connection claim for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to conflicting medical evidence and the need for further evaluation.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been reopened. However, the Board found that there is no current diagnosis of bilateral hearing loss for VA purposes and insufficient evidence to establish a link between tinnitus and service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for heart palpitations, abnormal liver function test results, obesity, diverticulitis, bilateral hearing loss, cervical spine degenerative joint disease, allergic rhinitis, and major depressive disorder. The case is remanded to obtain additional medical records and to schedule the Veteran for appropriate examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is rated at a 10 percent disability level, reflecting the average puretone threshold of 59 decibels in the left ear and 55 decibels in the right ear. The Board found that this warranted an increased rating.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been reopened. The Board has determined that new and material evidence was received, allowing the reopening of these claims. However, the claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss remains denied as there is no current diagnosis of a hearing disability by VA standards.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to insufficient examination reports, lack of consideration of the Veteran's lay statements regarding symptomatology, and potential noise exposure from post-service work. The IHD claim is also remanded for a new VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current diagnoses of back and right knee disabilities, and his claims for these conditions are denied. The claims for bilateral hearing loss and sleep apnea are remanded to allow for further development.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development and examination to determine if service connection can be established for bilateral hearing loss, a rating greater than 50 percent for a psychiatric disability, and entitlement to TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are service-connected as they originated during active service due to noise exposure.

The Board has determined that there is no current diagnosis of a left shoulder disability, bilateral hearing loss, or skin condition. As such, the Veteran's claims for service connection in these areas are denied.,No rating assigned as the evidence does not meet the criteria for a disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his military service, as there is no evidence of such conditions during or within one year after service. The VA examiner found that the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus did not begin in service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current hearing loss in his right ear for VA purposes, and thus cannot establish service connection. The left ear hearing loss claim is remanded due to a lack of medical nexus.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is granted as incurred in service due to noise exposure during his military service.

The Board has remanded the cases of bilateral hearing loss and Meniere's disease for further development, including obtaining VA medical opinions to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for right ear hearing loss and a compensable rating for left ear hearing loss due to lack of evidence of current disability.

Service connection is granted for diabetes mellitus, type II, and bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, is presumed to be caused by exposure to herbicide agents during service. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is remanded.

The case is being remanded due to the need for clarification of a private audiogram and for a VA audiological examination.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus. The remaining issues of service connection are remanded due to incomplete records and the need to obtain SSA disability benefits information.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for asthma. The claims for bilateral hearing loss, skin cancer, and sleep apnea are remanded due to outstanding medical records and need for additional examinations.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there was no evidence of in-service noise exposure or a nexus to service.