Hearing loss decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and shrapnel in the left upper arm have been granted. The claim for a higher rating for tinea pedis, tinea corporis, and onychomycosis is remanded.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is service connected as it was caused by noise exposure during active service.,The Veteran's cluster headaches, sleep apnea, and gastrointestinal disability are service connected as they began during active service.

The Veteran's initial compensable ratings for internal and external hemorrhoids, dermatitis, and bilateral hearing loss prior to April 24, 2018 have been denied. The Board found the preponderance of evidence did not support a higher rating based on current symptoms.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current state of his hearing acuity and determine if it is at least as likely as not related to service.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was withdrawn.,Service connection for back disability and depression were granted, but the case is remanded due to new evidence.

The Board has remanded the cases of sinusitis and hearing loss for additional development due to outstanding VA treatment records and a need for a new VA examination.

The application to reopen the claim of service connection for a low back disorder was denied. The claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus is granted.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted as service-connected, with the Board finding that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss has been dismissed as the Veteran and his attorney have requested to withdraw the issue.

The Veteran's claims for effective dates earlier than June 30, 2015, for service connection were denied. The appeals for the remaining issues have been remanded.

The Veteran's service connection claims for a bilateral hearing loss disability, residuals of left ring finger injury, and bilateral knee and ankle disabilities are denied. The Veteran's claim for bilateral shin splints is granted.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection. The left and right ear hearing loss disabilities are remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's service connection claim for bilateral hearing loss has been reopened, but the issue of entitlement to an increased rating for PTSD with bipolar disorder and alcohol use disorder in remission remains pending.,The Veteran's service connection claim for sleep apnea is also pending.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss and a compensable rating for left ear hearing loss, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between his current hearing loss disabilities and his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as he does not have a current disability of bilateral hearing loss. The claims for costochondritis and irritable bowel syndrome are remanded due to the need for further medical clarification.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss and tinnitus are granted service connection, but his left ear hearing loss is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and low back disability, but the claims are being remanded due to incomplete records. The heart disability claim is also being remanded for a VA examination.

The Board has previously restored a 20 percent rating for the Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss, but the case is being remanded again due to incomplete records. The AOJ needs to obtain and consider the results of an April 2016 VA hearing test.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has been rated as 0 percent (noncompensable) since December 17, 2015. The Board denied a compensable rating for the service-connected bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for updated audiometric testing and a VA audio examination. The effective date of the 10% evaluation for bilateral hearing loss remains denied.