Hearing loss decisions — 2018

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further examination and opinion regarding his claimed bilateral shoulder disability, bilateral eye condition, left paracardiac fibrosis/subsegmental atelectasis, and right ear hearing loss. The examiner must address whether these conditions are related to service or exposure to environmental hazards in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied, and the extension of a temporary total evaluation for January 2014 back surgery beyond March 31, 2014 is also denied.

The Board has denied an initial compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss and has remanded the claim of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to bronchial asthma.

The Board has remanded the cases of tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss due to insufficient evidence, including inadequate audiometric test results. The Veteran will need a new VA examination for both conditions.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has been rated as noncompensable under Diagnostic Code 6100. The Board found that the evidence did not meet criteria for a compensable rating.

The reduction of the evaluation for bilateral hearing loss was proper as evidenced by consistent audiometric evaluations showing no improvement in the Veteran's hearing condition.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims of service connection for a left knee disability and for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss due to insufficient evidence in the record.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions were not related to his military service due to lack of in-service noise exposure and no evidence of continuous symptomatology since service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted as service connected. The Board found that the Veteran was exposed to noise during service, which is conceded, and there is no evidence of a pre-existing condition or other basis for denying service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss disability and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The evidence did not support higher ratings, and it was determined that the Veteran could still obtain and maintain employment despite his service-connected conditions.

The Board dismissed the appeals of service connection for tinnitus and an initial compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating have been granted. The right hand disability, lumbar disability, bilateral hearing loss, and insomnia are all found to be related to his military service.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is granted as service connected, with the Board finding that it is at least in equipoise whether the condition is related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional examinations and evaluations regarding his service-connected conditions, particularly those related to sleep apnea.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, prostate disorder, urinary incontinence, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as PTSD and 'nerves') due to service. The issues are related to exposure to Agent Orange during service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to inadequate examination findings. The examiner is requested to provide an addendum opinion addressing whether any preexisting hearing loss was aggravated by service, considering the shift in the Veteran’s hearing from the entrance to the separation examination.

The claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been reopened and is granted.,The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, has been reopened. However, the claim remains denied as there is no confirmed in-service stressor.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not found to be related to his military service.,Service connection for both conditions was denied.

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