Hearing loss decisions — 2019

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected.,The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination to determine if there are any additional periods of Reserve service that need to be verified, and to obtain VA examinations to address the etiology of the low back disability, right knee disability, and bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the claims of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to in-service noise exposure. The Veteran's non-attorney representative submitted argument suggesting that there could be ongoing damage to the cochlear hairs and nerves manifesting only over time, which was not addressed by the VA medical opinions.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has worsened and he is prescribed hearing aids. A new VA examination is needed to determine the current severity of his service-connected bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and a back condition due to insufficient consideration of lay evidence, including the Veteran's statements about in-service symptoms. The claims are being returned for further action.

The Board denied a compensable initial rating for the Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss, finding that his hearing acuity did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under VA's tables for rating hearing loss disability.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and left knee disability have been granted service connection. The Veteran is now rated at 20% for his left knee disability as of April 8, 2016.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for hearing loss in the right ear, an acquired psychiatric disorder, and a sleep disorder due to potential issues with obtaining relevant medical records.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was rated at 60% from January 18, 1988 to January 24, 2005.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for scars of the right hand was denied as his scars do not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.,The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss was also denied, as his current 30 percent rating adequately reflects the severity and symptomatology of his disability.

The Veteran's service connection for chronic pain syndrome is granted. The Board has also remanded the issues of a higher rating for other specified trauma and stressor related disorders, a compensable rating for right ear hearing loss, and service connection for sleep apnea as secondary to CFS or chronic pain syndrome.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear hearing loss, but denied service connection for right ear hearing loss. The decision is based on the Veteran's exposure to loud noise during service and continuous symptoms since separation.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for left ear hearing loss is denied as his hearing impairment does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, and hypertensive vascular disease due to potential service connection issues related to periods of active duty for training (ACDUTRA) in his U.S. Army Reserves.

The Board has remanded the claims for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, erectile dysfunction, and service connection for a back disorder and vertigo due to additional evidence received after the November 2018 statement of the case. The Veteran's prostate cancer status post prostatectomy is also being examined.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the combined effects of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities on his employment capacity. The Veteran is seeking a TDIU, and an additional VA examination is needed to assess this.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for gouty arthritis, right index finger ligamentous sprain, and bilateral hearing loss was denied. The Board found no evidence of active gout or significant impairment from the service-connected conditions.,Specifically, the VA examinations did not find any manifestations of gout in the Veteran's foot, and his hearing acuity tests were within normal limits.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding service connection for bilateral hearing loss before the Board could make a decision.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's conditions are not related to his military service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's service connection claim for bilateral hearing loss due to new and material evidence. The case is remanded for a VA medical opinion on the etiology of the disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss is related to his military service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.