Hearing loss decisions — 2018

The Board has determined that additional examinations are needed for the Veteran's hearing loss, left ankle disability, headaches, and low back disabilities due to their worsening since his last VA examination. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the increased rating claims.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for various disabilities, including left-hand disability, right-hand disability, lumbar spine disability, skin condition, jungle rot, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The Veteran's recent treatment records and his lay statements concerning onset and severity are to be considered.

The Veteran's Meniere’s syndrome, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus are rated at a combined 60 percent effective September 2, 2005. The Board also granted TDIU from that date.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral knee disability and right ear hearing loss were granted. The claim for service connection for type II diabetes mellitus (DMII) was denied due to lack of exposure to herbicide agents during service.,Service connection for DMII is not warranted as the Veteran did not serve in Vietnam, thus no presumption of exposure applies.

The Board has decided to remand the cases of bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to in-service noise exposure. The VA examiner's opinion is inadequate, and a new examination is needed.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss as there was no evidence of a current disability during the appeal period.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for a bilateral hearing loss disability is being remanded due to the inadequacy of the January 2015 VA examination, which was conducted over 39 months ago. A new VA audiology evaluation is needed to assess the current level of severity of his service-connected bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is denied as not being incurred or aggravated by service.

The Board has decided to remand the cases of tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss due to insufficient examination findings. A new VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran has a diagnosis of tinnitus, and the nature and etiology of any such diagnosis for both conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for headaches, myositis of the left upper extremity, patellofemoral syndrome of the right knee, a left leg disability, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus due to incomplete records and need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and headaches are granted service connection. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is denied.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's right knee and lumbar spine disabilities, including increased ratings and reduction in rating. The Veteran also seeks a TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been reopened. However, the Board found that there is not enough evidence to support a finding of in-service injury or disease related to these conditions, thus denying both claims.

The Veteran's hearing loss disability is being remanded for a new VA audiological examination to assess the current severity of his condition and its functional effects. The TDIU claim is also being remanded due to its inextricability with the hearing loss rating issue.

The Board denied service connection for tinnitus and right shoulder disorder, but allowed the reopening of a claim for hearing loss. The appeal is remanded for additional examinations to determine if these conditions are related to military service.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and granted service connection for tinnitus. The claim for service connection of the low back condition is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's left shoulder injury and right acromioclavicular separation have been granted increased disability ratings of 40 percent and 30 percent, respectively, effective July 29, 2017.,The Veteran's right ear hearing loss has not met the criteria for a rating in excess of 30 percent.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD and bilateral hearing loss, as well as service connection for nerve damage are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus as the evidence did not show that these conditions began during or were otherwise caused by active military service.

The Veteran was granted service connection for tinnitus and asbestosis, but denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss.