Hearing loss decisions — 2019

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically depressive disorder. However, it denied his claim for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to a lack of evidence showing current disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is being remanded for a new examination to determine its current severity.

The Veteran's adult sister was granted the right to substitute as claimant for his pending appeals, including those related to increased ratings and service connection.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for his bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to the need for updated VA treatment records and a new examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that there was no evidence of in-service noise exposure or a current disability related to active service.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for callus formation, left foot is denied. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability (claimed as depression, anxiety) has been reopened and remains pending. The claims for service connection for TMJ, migraines, dizziness, neck condition, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus are all remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are at least as likely as not related to his in-service noise exposure.

The reduction in the rating for service-connected bilateral hearing loss from 40 percent to noncompensable was proper as the Veteran's hearing improved over time.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's hearing loss, and a new VA examination is needed.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable, with the highest rating being level I.,The Veteran's tinnitus is currently rated at 10 percent, which represents the maximum schedular evaluation.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for hearing loss and eye disability due to issues with scheduling VA examinations, specifically related to his incarceration. The case will be returned to the AOJ for further action.

The Veteran's initial noncompensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied as his audiometric test results do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's appeals have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeals prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and headaches have been remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded due to incomplete records and the need for additional examinations to determine the severity of his service-connected disabilities, including left knee disability, bilateral hearing loss, scars of the right lower extremity, and stroke. The Veteran is seeking initial ratings in excess of 10 percent for his left knee disability, an initial compensable rating for his bilateral hearing loss, and a compensable rating for his scars of the right lower extremity. He also seeks service connection for his stroke.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is reopened, but the underlying claim of service connection remains denied due to lack of evidence indicating a nexus between his service and his bilateral hearing loss. The Board finds that additional development is required before a final decision may be reached.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection, his hearing loss is denied, and he receives a 10% rating for his right thumb disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability.,The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus is denied as she is already receiving the maximum schedular disability rating for this condition.,The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for lumbar strain with scoliosis is denied due to lack of evidence showing a current disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to new evidence submitted since the last denial. The issue of service connection for glaucoma, diabetes mellitus, and dental condition remains unresolved.