Hearing loss decisions — 2019

The Veteran's Meniere's disease and related conditions were granted service connection, but the Board denied a higher evaluation as her symptoms did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 30 percent.

Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied.,An evaluation in excess of 70 percent for PTSD with depressed mood and secondary alcohol use disorder is denied.,Service connection for a skin disorder (presumptive due to herbicide exposure) is remanded.,Service connection for tingling and/or loss of sensation in the right hand, left hand, right hip arthritis, left hip arthritis, right knee condition, left knee condition, obstructive sleep apnea is remanded.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and opinion regarding service connection for left ear hearing loss and tinnitus due to potential issues with the current evidence. The right ear hearing loss case is denied as it did not worsen during service.

The claim of service connection for tinnitus is granted. The claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to the need for further medical development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service, granting service connection for both conditions.

Service connection is granted for left ear hearing loss.,Service connection is denied for right great toe hallux valgus with hallux rigidus and bunion.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection were dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and thumb condition are dismissed. A TDIU is granted since July 2007, but denied prior to that date.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, left eye disorder, right eye disorder, vision disorder, left knee condition, right knee condition, gastrointestinal disorder, stomach disorder, gout, and right elbow condition due to incomplete records and need for further examination.

The Board denied a compensable evaluation for left ear hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's hearing acuity did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, hypertension, a psychiatric disorder, and a cervical spine disorder. The claim for severance of service connection for cervicogenic headaches was granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to in-service noise exposure. The examiner is requested to provide an addendum opinion addressing the etiology of the Veteran’s hearing loss, including whether it was aggravated by service or related to service. Additionally, the RO should attempt to secure any additional service treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for an appropriate examination and to obtain updated VA treatment records regarding his service-connected disabilities, including acquired psychiatric disability, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus but remanded the issue of hearing loss due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right shoulder disability is granted.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied.,Service connection for tinnitus is granted.,Service connection for low back disability and cervical spine disorder are both denied.,Service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis, intestinal issue, right hand disability, and left hand disability are all denied.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated at 10 percent prior to January 16, 2018 and at 20 percent from that date. The Board found the evidence did not support a higher rating.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty to assist error, specifically regarding the opinion on the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran is seeking service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for sinusitis and/or allergic rhinitis, asthma and associated COPD, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including anxiety and depression), and obstructive sleep apnea. The remaining issues of service connection for sensorineural bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been denied.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear hearing loss and tinnitus disabilities, but denied service connection for right ear hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examinations and a need for further audiometric testing.