Hearing loss decisions — 2018

The Board has dismissed the issue of service connection for a back disorder due to the Veteran's withdrawal. The issues of service connection for sleep apnea and for a compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss are remanded.

The Board dismissed the appeal as there is no longer a case or controversy pending before the Board due to the full grant of benefits sought on appeal. The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for TDIU was denied.

The Board granted service connection for the Veteran's left ear hearing loss disability, finding that it is related to his in-service acoustic trauma and resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, but the claims are remanded due to incomplete records and need further examination.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted service connection. The Veteran's hypertension is remanded for further examination to determine if it is related to herbicide agent exposure in Vietnam.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the submission of new evidence after his Substantive Appeal was filed. The AOJ must consider this new evidence and issue a Supplemental Statement of the Case (SSOC).

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to concerns about the current severity of his service-connected bilateral hearing loss. A new VA audiology examination will be scheduled to determine this.

The Board denied VA payment for a powered mobility device, to include a motorized wheelchair, as the Veteran's medical records showed he could achieve adequate functional mobility without such devices through standard medical or rehabilitative treatments.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The cases of lumbar spine disability, bilateral knee disability, bilateral foot numbness, and bilateral foot strain are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, right ankle fracture residuals, diabetes mellitus type 2, tinnitus, and peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. His total disability rating is currently at 80 percent.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, or back disability.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and nasal trauma are granted as service connected.

The appeal for service connection of a pulmonary disorder (claimed as asbestos exposure) is dismissed. The initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied for the period prior to April 28, 2017. The claim for service connection of sleep apnea and an acquired psychiatric disorder is remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss prior to January 24, 2014 and 10 percent on and thereafter; an increased rating for residuals of TBI; and entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's service connection claims for a dental disability, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus have been granted. However, other service connection claims are being remanded due to lack of evidence or further evaluation is needed.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to the need for additional records and a VA examination.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and sleep disorder (sleep apnea) are all granted as service-connected. The carpal tunnel syndrome of the right wrist is remanded for further review.

The claims for low back disability and bilateral tinnitus have been reopened, with the low back disability claim being granted. The hearing loss claim is remanded.,New evidence has been submitted supporting the reopening of the low back disability and bilateral tinnitus claims.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination, including a VA examination to determine if the Veteran has diabetes mellitus (DM) or arthritis of hands and feet, as well as any current neurological impairment of the hands and feet. The claims are also being remanded for service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right elbow condition, an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, and an initial compensable rating for actinic keratosis. The decision found no current disability in any of these conditions.