Hearing loss decisions — 2018

The appeal for service connection of a cervical spine disorder is dismissed.,Service connection granted for GERD and acquired psychiatric disorder, to include depressive disorder.

The Board has determined that the VA examination and medical opinion are inadequate to decide the current claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's active duty exposure is acknowledged, but there was a significant shift in his hearing from May 1968 to November 1979. Therefore, a new VA examination and medical opinion are necessary.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic neck and back pains with headaches, an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, and TDIU. The Board found that there was no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and service.

The Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected tinnitus was dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal.,The Veteran's claim to reopen his hearing loss claim has been granted, but service connection is denied.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, a gastrointestinal disability (to include colon cancer), a kidney disability (to include kidney failure), and diabetes mellitus for further development due to outstanding VA treatment records.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings were denied. The appeal for a TDIU was also remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found no evidence of a current disability in the claimed conditions, or that any such disabilities are related to service.

The Veteran's multiple service-connected conditions, including sleep apnea and thoracolumbar spine issues, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been dismissed due to his death.

The Board has remanded several claims, including those for service connection and rating for various disabilities. The Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus are being examined again due to the lack of recent VA treatment records and inadequate examination in 2011. A new peripheral vestibular disorder (vertigo) claim is also being remanded.

The Veteran's osteoporosis is rated at 10 percent, and a separate 10 percent rating for limitation of motion of the lumbar spine as a result of osteoporosis has been granted. The Veteran's generalized anxiety disorder is currently rated at 30 percent.,Entitlement to higher ratings for bilateral hearing loss disability and duodenal ulcer was denied. TDIU was also denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence received after a statement of the case was issued, and the Veteran's request for a hearing before the Board is considered withdrawn.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there is no evidence to support a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

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

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's hearing loss and his military service.

The Board finds that additional development is needed to obtain the Veteran's Army National Guard medical and personnel records, as well as VA outpatient treatment records. The hearing loss disability must be evaluated in light of the Veteran's service exposure to noise trauma.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current hearing loss did not manifest within one year of discharge and was not caused by his active service.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for coronary artery disease, hypertension, and lung disability due to additional evidence received since the last decisions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is as likely as not related to his military service, including noise exposure during active duty and National Guard service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder, hearing loss, and PTSD were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for service connection as his conditions are not directly related to his military service.