Hearing loss decisions — 2019

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is being remanded for a new VA examination to determine the current severity of his condition. Additionally, his claim for TDIU is also being remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, sleep apnea, headaches, and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) due to incomplete records and inadequate examination findings.

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

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities from February 4, 2016, finding that he engaged in substantially gainful employment and did not meet the schedular criteria for TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable, and the Board finds that a compensable rating is not warranted.

The Board has denied service connection for a low back condition and remanded the issues of service connection for right hand, left knee osteoarthritis, right knee, and bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's conditions began during his active military service. The decision is based on credible lay evidence of in-service noise exposure and continuity of symptoms since service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as he does not have a current diagnosis of the condition.,Service connection for a tracheal windpipe condition is denied due to lack of evidence of such condition during or recent to his military service.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected. The issue of service connection for bilateral hearing loss is remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus but denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy due to service-connected diabetes mellitus. The Veteran's hearing loss is related to his service, but it is unclear if it was caused or aggravated by diabetes. For the peripheral neuropathies, they are not related to service, though the Veteran believes a separate issue of burning sensation exists.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for right ear hearing loss, hypertension, bladder cancer (due to herbicide exposure), and a skin condition (formerly claimed as chloracne) due to VA not having obtained all relevant records and because an examination is needed to determine if any current bladder cancer is related to military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to scheduling issues, and requests that both claims be evaluated at the same audiological examination. The claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded.

The Board has remanded two issues: the evaluation of bilateral hearing loss disability and the TDIU claim prior to September 1, 2017. The Veteran failed to report for a VA examination due to eviction proceedings.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the evidence did not show a nexus to service and that there were no manifestations of hearing loss within one year of discharge. The Veteran's lay statements about hearing loss during service are considered less credible due to his STRs showing normal hearing at separation.

The Board has decided that a VA audiological examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was incurred in or related to service, and not due to post-service noise exposure.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions including an acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral hearing loss, respiratory disorder (COPD and emphysema), erectile dysfunction, memory loss, and heart disease. The evidence did not support a link between these conditions and the Veteran's service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of the regular aid and attendance of another person, warranting special monthly compensation at the aid and attendance rate.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 50% rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied as there was no prior claim received within one year of the September 25, 2017, filing.

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