Hearing loss decisions — 2018

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for hypertension and stroke due to potential in-service etiology. The Veteran's tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, and sleep apnea are denied as not related to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to conflicting personnel records regarding his ACDUTRA period. The RO is instructed to verify the Veteran’s assertion of full-time ACDUTRA during November 1992 to July 1993 at Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran's claims will be reviewed again with a focus on whether his current conditions are related to in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has been rated as noncompensable throughout the appeal period, with no worse than Level I hearing impairment in either ear.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for the claim of service connection for Meniere's syndrome associated with bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, initial compensable rating for palindromic rheumatism of both elbows, a higher rating for PTSD, and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for reopening of his PTSD service connection has been granted. The Board finds that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the previously denied claims for right ear hearing loss, erectile dysfunction, diabetes mellitus, neuropathy, and an acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD (including major depressive disorder). However, further examination is needed as the Veteran's low back disability may have worsened since his last VA examination. The TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for neck disability, right ear hearing loss, right shoulder bicipital tendonitis (right shoulder disability), right ankle strain, left ankle strain, right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFS), left knee PFS, right elbow olecranon bursitis (right elbow disability), lumbar spine disability with Scheuermann's kyphosis (lumbar spine disability), right hip strain with limitation of extension and flexion, left hip strain with limitation of extension and flexion, bilateral pes planus, left ear hearing loss, and tension headaches. The claims are being remanded for additional development.

The Board has granted the reopening of claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, and has denied an increased rating for type 2 diabetes mellitus with diabetic retinopathy and erectile dysfunction. The left knee shrapnel wound scar is rated as noncompensable, while PTSD is rated at 30 percent.

The Veteran's service connection claims for left and right ear hearing loss were denied as the evidence did not support a finding that his current hearing loss was related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee disability is not related to his service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.,The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus need further evaluation due to potential progression of symptoms since his last VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied. The reductions of the disability evaluations for instability of left knee and residuals, status post medial meniscus repair, left knee were granted.

The Veteran's tinnitus and depressive disorder are granted service connection as they are related to his military service. Service connection for gout, bilateral hearing loss disability, cervical spine disability, and hypoglycemia is denied.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and vertigo due to the appellant's dishonorable discharge from active service.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be related to his military service.,Multiple issues regarding hip, knee, and ankle disabilities are remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance due to his limited mobility, inability to perform daily activities independently, and the hazards inherent in his environment.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection due to inadequate examinations, incomplete evidence, and inextricably intertwined issues. The Veteran is required to provide medical records and undergo new VA examinations.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for a bilateral hearing loss disability is granted, but the issue of service connection for tinnitus remains pending. The decision also grants new and material evidence to reopen the claim.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claims for service connection for chronic headaches, colitis, right ear hearing loss, tinnitus, sleep apnea, and leg disorders due to new evidence. The claims are remanded for further development including VA examinations.

The petition to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss based on new and material evidence is granted.,The petition to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for hypertension (HTN) based on new and material evidence is granted.,Entitlement to an effective date earlier than June 28, 2013, for grant of service connection for left lower extremity (LLE) peripheral neuropathy is denied.,Entitlement to an effective date earlier than June 28, 2013, for grant of service connection for right lower extremity (RLE) peripheral neuropathy is denied.