Hearing loss decisions — 2019

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral sensorineural hearing loss is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board has ordered a new VA examination to assess the current extent of his symptoms.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is granted service connection. Service connection for a skin disorder (claimed as chloracne due to Agent Orange exposure) is denied. The Veteran's hypertension claim is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and the potential need for additional medical records.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for residuals of left knee injury, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and sleep disability have been granted. The claim for service connection for a low back disability was dismissed due to the Veteran's request for withdrawal.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is granted as secondary to his service-connected PTSD.,The Veteran's bilateral pes planus is granted due to aggravation by military service.,Service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome or disability manifested by fatigue is denied.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied.,Service connection for tinnitus is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and Lyme disease have been denied. The claim for service connection for PLS has been remanded.,Service connection for Lyme disease was granted based on new evidence received since the November 1991 rating decision.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for a higher evaluation in excess of 50 percent for bilateral hearing loss, and the Board dismissed the case as a result.

Service connection for tinnitus has been granted. The Veteran's left clavicle fracture is denied a compensable rating prior to September 21, 2012.,The claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and diabetes mellitus remains pending.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied as there is no evidence of in-service noise exposure, and the condition did not manifest within one year of separation. The Board found that the current hearing loss does not have a nexus to service.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's hearing loss. The decision on tinnitus remains granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between his current hearing loss and in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for left ear hearing loss was denied as the available schedular evaluations are adequate and there is no evidence of exceptional or unusual disability picture.,The Veteran's claim for TDIU was denied as his combined rating does not meet the schedular requirements, and additional information regarding employment status and disabilities is needed.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection and a compensable rating for his hearing loss disabilities, finding no evidence of in-service incurrence or continuity of symptomatology.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss has been evaluated as noncompensable, with a numeric designation of Level I in both ears. The Board denied the claim for an initial compensable disability rating.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for hearing loss, which he contends was caused by in-service noise exposure. The case is being remanded to obtain updated VA treatment records and a new examination with an otolaryngologist who will consider the Veteran's reports of in-service noise exposure and his current hearing loss.

The Veteran's hearing loss has reportedly worsened since his last VA examination in February 2017. The Board finds that a new VA examination is needed to assess the current severity of his service-connected bilateral hearing loss.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there was no evidence of in-service injury or disease related to these conditions. The Veteran's STRs did not show any complaints, diagnosis, or treatment for hearing loss or tinnitus. The December 2014 VA examination also found no causal relationship between the Veteran’s current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus and his service.,The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, finding that there was no evidence of an in-service stressor and that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD. The December 2014 VA examination also found no causal relationship between the Veteran’s current PTSD and his service.

The Veteran's appeal is dismissed for the issue of a rating in excess of 40 percent for bilateral high frequency hearing loss. The TDIU claim is granted, and the PTSD and right shoulder disability claims are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral ankle disorder, bilateral hearing loss disability, and lower back disorder due to lack of evidence showing a nexus between these conditions and his military service.