Hearing loss decisions — 2018

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not found to be related to service.,His lumbar spine disorder, left shoulder disorder, cardiomyopathy, hair loss, headache disorder, and COPD were also not found to be related to service.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for tinnitus is dismissed. The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for back, left knee, and right knee conditions as well as a claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, spinal scoliosis, and other physical impairments, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board finds the preponderance of evidence supports the award of TDIU.

The Veteran's asthma claim is reopened, and his pes planus and left arm scar claims are denied. The hearing loss claim is remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, diabetes mellitus type II with erectile dysfunction, and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted a total disability evaluation based on individual employability (TDIU).

The Board has decided that the Veteran's service connection claim for bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to lack of a current hearing loss disability and because her last VA examination was over five years ago.

The Veteran's diabetes is granted service connection based on presumed exposure to herbicide agents. Service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities is also granted as secondary to his diabetes. Bilateral hearing loss and bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy are remanded for further examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions regarding his right hip disability, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and acquired psychiatric disorder. The claims are being returned to the agency of original jurisdiction (AOJ) for further development.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain an examination and provide opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, which are currently service-connected.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities due to incomplete records and a need to obtain Social Security Administration (SSA) records related to his disability benefits.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is at least as likely as not due to noise exposure during his active duty service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and remanded the issue of low back disorder due to insufficient evidence.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for tinnitus and denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability, diverticulitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and psychiatric disability. The case is remanded for further development.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, and a new VA examination is needed.

The Board denied service connection for a left knee condition and bilateral hearing loss, finding that the evidence did not support a link to service.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss and remanded the case to rate both ears together. The claim for a compensable rating for left ear hearing loss is also remanded.

The Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal of the issues regarding service connection for residuals of a right middle finger cut, bilateral hearing loss, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The Board dismissed the appeal as a result.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The issues of service connection for sleep apnea, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD), chronic lumbar strain, and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity are remanded.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals on all service connection claims except for right shoulder, right ankle, and right wrist conditions. The remaining issues have been remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, and a new VA examination is needed.