Hearing loss decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss has been denied, and the issue of service connection for asbestos-induced pleural plaque (claimed as mesothelioma/asbestosis) is remanded due to duty-to-assist errors.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied. The claims for increased ratings for left knee instability and residuals of a left knee meniscal tear, as well as for service connection for a right knee condition are remanded due to inadequate VA examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether these conditions had their onset during military service.

The claim to reopen the previously denied claim for bilateral hearing loss is granted. The claim to reopen the previously denied claim for tinnitus is granted.,Entitlement to service connection for tinnitus is granted. Entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss is remanded.

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

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and psychiatric disorders due to unclear examination reports, lack of stressor verification, and need for additional VA examinations.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating for service-connected bilateral hearing loss is denied, and the heart condition issue is remanded for further development.

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

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and right ear tumor.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to in-service acoustic trauma. The decision is based on credible testimony from the Veteran regarding his exposure during service and subsequent symptoms.

The Veteran's representative withdrew the appeal for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss, leading to its dismissal.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status was denied as he does not meet the criteria for such benefits due to his functional limitations.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied as his hearing acuity does not warrant a higher evaluation.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the evidence is in equipoise regarding whether these conditions are related to service. The Veteran's testimony about noise exposure during service and his current symptoms were considered.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is not considered incurred in or aggravated by active service, and the claim for service connection is denied.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD) is remanded as there are new stressor allegations that need to be evaluated.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities are being remanded for additional development.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus but denied service connection for hearing loss, and has remanded several other issues including those related to the neck, back, head injury (TBI), and acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records and an addendum opinion regarding the relationship between his current hearing loss and in-service noise exposure.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss ratings, and remanded the issues of service connection for sleep apnea, rating for bilateral hearing loss disability, and TDIU.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete VA examination and lack of service medical records. The Veteran's hearing loss is being reviewed for its onset during active service or its relation to any event, injury, or disease during service.