Hearing loss decisions — 2018

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, left knee disorder, low back disorder, and peripheral vascular disease as secondary to a low back disorder. The case is remanded for further development including obtaining STRs, VA treatment records, and additional examinations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral tinnitus was granted. The claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, gall bladder disorder, headache disorder, and heart disorder were denied. The claims of reopening for acquired psychiatric disorders (PTSD, depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorders), residuals of a head injury, and lumbar spine disorder were granted.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is being remanded for an addendum medical opinion to consider the evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable, with auditory acuity levels of Level I in the right ear and Level II in the left ear. The Board found that a compensable rating was not warranted based on the current evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The Veteran's conditions are all found to be related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for right ear hearing loss and a compensable initial evaluation for left ear hearing loss due to additional development being required.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of death due to lack of evidence linking the Veteran's conditions, including his back pain and neuropathy, to his military service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated at 20 percent since July 13, 2017. Prior to that date, the rating was denied as his hearing acuity did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal due to satisfaction with the October 2018 rating decision.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to conflicting findings and inadequate rationale from the February 2016 VA examiner. A new examination with an updated audiogram is needed.

The Veteran's 30 percent rating for bilateral hearing loss is restored, and a rating in excess of 30 percent is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, and a cardiac condition due to in-service exposure. The Veteran was not provided with adequate opinions regarding his hearing loss and tinnitus, and he needs another VA examination. His cardiac condition claim is also remanded as there are conflicting medical records and no opinion on the relationship between his current condition and service.

The Board has determined that the VA examination is inadequate and remands the case for a new examination to determine if the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is related to service.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus as the evidence did not support a nexus between current conditions and active service.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his bilateral hearing loss disability has been dismissed because he withdrew the appeal before a decision was made.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left ear sensorineural hearing loss is at least as likely as not due to noise exposure during his military service, and thus grants the claim for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are linked to in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased initial rating for his bilateral hearing loss was dismissed as he withdrew the appeal prior to a final decision.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to internal inconsistency in the VA examiner's report and the need for a new examination to address specific medical findings.

Your appeal for an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss has been dismissed because you and your representative have withdrawn the appeal.