Hearing loss decisions — 2019

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is at least as likely as not caused by his military service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, an acquired psychiatric disability (including PTSD), and irritable bowel syndrome have been granted. The heart disability and hypertension secondary to service-connected conditions are remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and respiratory disability due to new evidence received after a previous denial. The Veteran's exposure to noise during service is noted, but further examination and opinion are required.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate opinion in denying service connection for bilateral hearing loss. A new examination is required with a different examiner who has not previously examined him.

The Veteran's service connection claims for testosterone deficiency, right ear hearing loss disability, hypertension, and sleep apnea syndrome are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding their etiology.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for vertigo, right ear hearing loss, and left knee disorder. The claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss was not addressed as it is related to a non-service-connected condition (left ear). Service connection for right knee disorder remains pending.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination, as well as to address whether service connection can be established for a low back disability, a psychiatric disorder, or TDIU.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there is no evidence of in-service noise exposure or a current disability related to service.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's exposure to noise during service aggravated his pre-existing hearing loss and established a current disability. The diabetes mellitus rating remains at 20 percent.

The Board denied service connection for right ear hearing loss and left ear hearing loss, finding no evidence of aggravation beyond the natural course by service. Service connection was granted for tinnitus.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is granted as service-connected. The left ear hearing loss and spinal stenosis (back injury and back pain) are remanded for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that these conditions are related to military service.

The Board has granted service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether these conditions are related to active duty service.

The Board has granted service connection for a bilateral knee disability and bilateral hearing loss, finding that the disabilities are related to active service due to exposure to noise trauma.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise with respect to whether it is related to military service due to noise exposure.

The Board has determined that the VA addendum opinion is inadequate and does not substantially comply with the March 2018 remand directives. Therefore, another addendum from a different audiologist is required to address the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has been rated at 50 percent since July 9, 2010. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating and denied the claim for an increased disability rating.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his condition.