Hearing loss decisions — 2018

Your service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus has been fully granted, and there are no further issues to appeal.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied as her audiometric test results did not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is rated as noncompensable, with an average puretone threshold of 43 decibels in the right ear and 19 decibels in the left ear. The VA examiner found that these findings equate to a noncompensable evaluation under Diagnostic Code 6100.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, but the issue of service connection for tinnitus is remanded as it may be secondary to the now-service-connected hearing loss.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and denied entitlement to increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss, low back disorder, and left knee replacement residuals. The Veteran's TDIU claim was granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for glaucoma and bilateral hearing loss due to incomplete medical opinions and the need for further examination.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus. The claims for chronic lumbar strain, right ear hearing loss disability, colon polyps including colon cancer, and carpel tunnel of the right hand are being remanded due to additional medical evidence.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance was remanded due to his inability to attend a VA examination. The case is now being sent back for another examination.

The Board denied service connection for ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus as they are not related to the Veteran's active duty service.,Service connection was also denied for amputation of the toes and right leg due to a diabetic foot ulcer.

The Board denied reopening claims for hearing loss of the right ear and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine due to lack of new and material evidence, as well as a negative nexus opinion.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for neck and hip disorders, as well as hearing loss and left eye disorders. The remand requires a VA examination to address whether these conditions are related to service or service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's petitions to reopen his claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that new evidence did not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating these claims.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear sensorineural hearing loss, but the issue of an initial compensable rating for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss disability is still pending.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for right ear hearing loss has been reopened, and the case is being remanded for further development. The Veteran's hypertension claim remains pending.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the issue of an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss, and as a result, this matter is dismissed.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection for hearing loss and recurring gall bladder inflammation.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,For his degenerative disc disease, C3-7 with prosthetic replacement of discs at C3/4 and C6/7, the Veteran needs a new examination to determine the severity of his condition from January 1, 2005 to April 22, 2008 and from August 1, 2008.

The Board dismissed the appeals of the Veteran for right ear hearing loss and spinal stenosis (back) as he withdrew his appeals before the decision was made.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been dismissed due to the Veteran's attorney indicating a wish to withdraw his appeal.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a missing VA treatment record addressing the severity of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss during the appeal period.