Hearing loss decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claim for an initial, compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to the need for clarification of the type of word list used during his multiple audiometric examinations and for obtaining additional records from the San Juan VA Medical Center.

The Board has remanded the issue of service connection for right ear hearing loss due to a lack of adequate examination. The Veteran's left ear hearing loss is not considered aggravated by service, and thus service connection cannot be granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, anxiety, and depression) due to insufficient evidence regarding their etiology. A new examination is required.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus are etiologically related to acoustic trauma sustained in active service, and thus grants service connection for these conditions.

The Board has referred the Veteran's claim for service connection for hearing loss to the RO due to incomplete medical records. The matter is now remanded for further action.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss as there is no evidence of chronic symptoms in service, continuous since service, or compensable manifestations within one year of separation. The Veteran did not experience these conditions during his active duty service and the VA examiner concluded that the current hearing loss is less likely caused by his military service.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity, and PVD with femorotibial bypass of the left lower extremity due to inadequate medical opinions regarding their etiology. The Veteran must be provided new VA examinations.

The Board has previously remanded the issues of an extraschedular disability rating for bilateral hearing loss and TDIU. These matters are being referred to the Compensation Service Director for further consideration based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including dysthymic disorder, temporomandibular joint disorder, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a bilateral foot condition, are found to be severe enough to prevent the Veteran from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that additional medical examinations and opinions are needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including a spine condition, bilateral knee condition, acquired psychological disorder (including bipolar disorder), bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hearing loss, tinnitus, and lumbar spine disorder due to inadequate examinations and lack of compliance with previous remand directives.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss was denied in the November 2011 rating decision. However, this decision contained clear and unmistakable error (CUE) as it failed to consider evidence showing a nexus between current left ear hearing loss and service exposure. The effective date of May 26, 2011 is granted for service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's preexisting hearing loss in his left ear clearly and unmistakably existed prior to service, and did not worsen during service. Therefore, he is denied service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to incomplete records and the need for further medical examinations.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for various conditions due to incomplete development and need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has granted the Veteran's appeals to reopen service connection for bilateral hearing loss and erectile dysfunction, finding new and material evidence. Service connection is also granted for prostate disability as secondary to PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal as to the issue of entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD, to include major depressive disorder and history of alcohol use disorder is dismissed. The issues pertaining to entitlement to service connection for a left ankle disorder, migraine headaches, and bilateral hearing loss are remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus due to a lack of a VA examination addressing these conditions. The Veteran was exposed to noise in service, but no such examination has been conducted.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current hearing difficulties did not meet the regulatory requirements for a ratable disability. However, it granted service connection for bilateral tinnitus, concluding that the Veteran's symptoms were likely related to in-service acoustic trauma.

The Veteran's application to reopen a claim of service connection for a left knee disorder is granted. The claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied. The rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus is denied.