Hearing loss decisions — 2018

The claim for service connection of bilateral hearing loss is reopened due to new and material evidence, but the case is remanded for a VA examination.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has been rated at 0 percent, as the puretone threshold averages and speech discrimination scores do not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The Board found that the current ratings adequately reflect the functional effects of the Veteran’s hearing impairment.

The appeal of the denial of the claim for service connection for a right knee disorder is dismissed.,The appeal of the denial of the claim for service connection for seasonal allergies is dismissed.,Service connection for lumbar disc disease with multiple disc protrusions is granted.,The appeal of the denial of the claim for service connection for ingrown toenails is remanded.,The appeal of the denial of the claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear sensorineural hearing loss and bilateral recurrent tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his military service. The decision is based on the Veteran's MOS as a Combat Engineer, which exposed him to noise during service.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, specifically addressing whether these conditions are secondary to his service-connected perforated tympanic membranes.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration. Specifically, a VA examination is needed to assess the current severity of bilateral hearing loss. The issue of an earlier effective date for PTSD service connection is also being remanded due to claims of CUE in the May 2007 rating decision. TDIU is also being deferred as it may be impacted by the other issues.

The Veteran's asthma is granted service connection. The appeals for bilateral hearing loss, hemorrhoids, and hypothyroidism are remanded.

The Veteran's low back disability, bilateral hearing loss, and sleep apnea are granted. Headaches have been denied as not related to service.

The Board has remanded several issues related to service connection for various conditions, including TBI, back disability, hearing loss, tinnitus, bilateral lower extremities radiculopathy, and neuropathy. The decision is pending further development of the Veteran's service treatment records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and rating determinations related to his bilateral hearing loss, right knee limitation of motion, and left knee meniscal tear status post arthroscopic surgery. The claims are being returned for clarification of the private audiometric evaluation results, a new VA examination for hearing loss, and additional examinations for both knees.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are at least as likely as not related to his in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's initial compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including right ear hearing loss, right knee arthritis, degenerative arthritis and spondylosis of the lumbar spine, tension headaches, left knee condition, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The evidence did not establish a current disability or link to service.

The Board denied service connection for a cervical disorder, headaches, left ear hearing loss, tinnitus, and a respiratory disorder (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and emphysema) due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.,Service connection was not granted as the Veteran did not have a current disability that began during or was otherwise related to his military service.

The Board has determined that additional clarification is needed regarding the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and right eye pterygium, as evidenced by conflicting audiogram results. The case is therefore remanded for further examination and evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case to determine if the Veteran's right ear hearing loss increased in severity during service and whether it was clearly and unmistakably due to the natural progression of the disease.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and evaluations.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, depression, and alcohol dependency disorder have been reopened. Service connection is granted for acquired psychiatric disorders (other than alcohol dependency disorder). Secondary service connection is granted for alcohol dependency disorder as it is proximately due or aggravated by an already service-connected condition.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his hip disabilities is also remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection on all of his claimed disabilities is being remanded due to the failure to schedule VA examinations and obtain necessary medical opinions.