Hearing loss decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus and an ENT disability (throat cancer) is remanded. His TDIU determination is also remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II. The cases of bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the case for further examination and opinion regarding a right knee disability, as there is no current evidence of such a condition. The Veteran's claims for left shoulder, low back, and bilateral hearing loss disabilities are denied.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and a 10 percent evaluation for a painful hernia scar. The remaining issues of service connection have been remanded due to the Veteran not submitting current treatment records.

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

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable due to the absence of more than Level I hearing impairment in each ear. The Board finds that an increase in disability rating for this condition is not warranted.

The Board has granted service connection for a psychiatric disability, but denied service connection for left ear hearing loss and right ear hearing loss due to insufficient evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for cervical spine and bilateral hearing loss, as well as his claim for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The issues are pending further development including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals on all issues related to service connection and disability ratings, including those for upper back disability, defective vision, PTSD, hearing loss, breathing problems, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, loss of teeth, and tinea pedis.

The Board has granted the reopening of the claim for service connection for ED, but denied the claim for service connection for right ear hearing loss. The case is remanded to obtain a medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's ED.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is related to in-service noise exposure, and thus service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, but the case is remanded for further examination regarding hearing loss.

The Veteran's claim for bilateral hearing loss disability and OSA is remanded due to the need for additional development.,The Veteran's claims for residuals of frost bite of the left foot and right foot are remanded as VA treatment records may contain relevant information.,The Veteran's claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder requires a VA examination to determine its etiology.,The Veteran's TDIU claim is part of her increased rating claims, which also require additional development.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to the lack of VA treatment records. The Board requires the Veteran to identify and provide authorization for any non-VA clinicians who have treated him for his service-connected hearing loss, including the issuance of hearing aids.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and allergic dermatitis. The issues of entitlement to service connection for a right ankle disability, bilateral foot disability (pes planus), and bilateral hearing loss are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected anxiety disorder is rated at 70 percent, and he is granted TDIU based on his disability.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disability (including PTSD and adjustment disorder) due to insufficient evidence in the record.

The Board has granted the reopening of claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. Service connection is granted for tinnitus, but the claim for bilateral hearing loss remains pending as a remand is required to obtain an adequate medical opinion regarding its etiology.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of various conditions, including left hand, right hand, right ankle, bilateral hearing loss, respiratory condition, and muscle condition are all denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities or a link to active service.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance or housebound status is being remanded due to new evidence added to the record after the last decision. The VA must review this new evidence before making a determination.