Hearing loss decisions — 2019

The Veteran's increased rating for bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to the possibility of an increase in severity since his last VA examination and the presence of outstanding relevant VA treatment records.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the cause of death and the relationship between service-connected disabilities and the Veteran's death. The VA needs to obtain additional medical opinions to determine if any service-connected conditions contributed to or caused the Veteran's death.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for hepatitis C, hemorrhoids, hearing loss, flat feet, asthma, sleep apnea, and acid reflux due to outstanding VA treatment records being needed.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to new and material evidence. However, the claim is still remanded as there are issues with the VA examination provided.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, right ankle disorder, left shoulder disorder, right shoulder disorder, back disability, and PTSD. The decision was based on the lack of new and material evidence for BHL and the absence of diagnosed disabilities in other areas.

The Veteran's initial hearing loss rating was granted at 30% from February 10, 2009 to May 11, 2010. From May 11, 2010 to November 19, 2010, the rating increased to 50%. From November 19, 2010 to June 21, 2012, it was rated at 40%. From June 21, 2012 to May 13, 2013, it was rated at 70%, and from May 13, 2013 to March 14, 2015, the rating increased to 60%. The Veteran's hearing loss disability is now rated as 100% total since March 14, 2015.

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

The Board has decided to remand the cases of left ear hearing loss and left eye glaucoma for further examination and opinion.

The Board denied the claims for service connection for prostate cancer residuals, renal cell carcinoma, and hypertension. The claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was also denied.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus but has remanded the case for further development regarding bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's appeals for increased disability ratings for bilateral hearing loss and PTSD have been dismissed due to the Veteran withdrawing his appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and lumbar spine disability, finding no new or material evidence to reopen the claims.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 as his right ear hearing loss was not caused by VA treatment in December 2012.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that there was insufficient evidence to link his current hearing loss to his noise exposure during service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that there is no evidence of a current disability and that the preponderance of the evidence does not support a nexus between the Veteran's hearing loss and his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA audiological opinion to determine if the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is related to his conceded in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied, and he is granted a total disability based on individual unemployability due to service-connected PTSD and bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's travel expenses for ambulance transportation from a VA medical facility to a private skilled nursing facility were denied as he did not meet the necessary eligibility criteria for beneficiary travel payments under VA regulations.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus due to new evidence received since previous decisions. The Veteran's claim is reopened but a new VA examination is required to determine the nature and etiology of his conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, and the issue of service connection for tinnitus remains granted.