Hearing loss decisions — 2018

Service connection is denied for hearing loss, tinnitus, breathing issues, and sleep apnea as there is no evidence of a current disability or a relationship to service.,Hypertension was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, as well as the current severity of his right knee disability. The claims are being remanded for additional examinations and consideration.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for right ear hearing loss and hypertension have been granted. The Board has also remanded the issues of service connection for right ear hearing loss and hypertension, including as secondary to PTSD.

The Veteran was granted service connection for tinnitus, but denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss.,A VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's complaints of lower extremity pain, numbness, and tingling.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been reopened and is now granted.,Service connection for tinnitus was denied. The Board found no evidence linking the condition to service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and remanded his claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran and his representative withdrew their appeals for the issues of service connection for various conditions, including cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability, right knee disability, bilateral hearing loss, essential hypertension, bilateral renal cysts, prostate disability, high cholesterol, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD).

The Veteran's initial compensable evaluation for service-connected bilateral hearing loss was denied. The claims for automobile allowance or specially adapted equipment and special home adaptation or specially adapted housing were dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss prior to February 15, 2017 and a rating in excess of 70 percent from February 15, 2017 to February 7, 2018 for anxiety disorder have been denied.

The Veteran's asbestos-related pleural disease, bilateral hearing loss disability, and PTSD are all granted. The asbestos-related pleural disease is directly related to in-service exposure to asbestos. The bilateral hearing loss disability receives a rating of 50 percent effective April 6, 2018. The PTSD receives a rating of 70 percent.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable initial disability rating for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and additional medical records. The issue will be reconsidered after these steps are completed.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the Veteran's failure to report for scheduled VA examinations. The Veteran is still required to provide a nexus opinion regarding his right ear hearing loss.

The Veteran's initial claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected disability.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not meet the eligibility criteria for financial assistance for an automobile or adaptive equipment, as his mobility issues are primarily due to nonservice-connected factors.

The Veteran's appeal includes multiple issues related to his service-connected conditions, including hearing loss, shoulder injuries, back pain, radiculopathy, and PTSD. The Board has remanded these claims for further development.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus must be remanded due to incomplete notification regarding new and material evidence, and because the issues are inextricably intertwined.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and a respiratory disorder, finding that there was no current evidence of hearing loss or respiratory conditions meeting VA criteria. The Veteran's STRs showed some symptoms but did not establish a link to service.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss and remanded the issue of left ear hearing loss. The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is found to have had its onset in service.

The Board dismissed all claims related to service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, lung condition, skin condition, and TDIU as the Veteran died during the appeal. The cause of death was listed as pulmonary fibrosis, chronic obstructive lung disease, cor pulmonale with heart failure, and exposure to Agent Orange. Service connection for the cause of death is granted due to presumed exposure to Agent Orange.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to additional development being necessary.