Hearing loss decisions — 2019

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension due to new and material evidence. The claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, sinus condition, and headaches are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's hearing loss and diabetes mellitus claims are remanded for further evaluation. The hearing loss claim requires a new VA examination, while the diabetes mellitus claim requires an opinion regarding potential service connection based on in-service exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, meeting the criteria for a TDIU.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and increased ratings have been dismissed due to the Veteran withdrawing his appeal.,The Veteran’s claims for higher ratings related to lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, and Bell's Palsy were not addressed as they are not on appeal.

Service connection has been granted for depression, headaches, and obstructive sleep apnea. An effective date prior to December 22, 2014 for service connection of right ear hearing loss and tinnitus is denied.,A 10% evaluation for mechanical lower back pain was granted with an effective date of February 6, 2014. Claims for earlier effective dates were dismissed.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss should be remanded due to the lack of an audiological evaluation. The VA must make substantial efforts to arrange for a VA examination or obtain records from the state correctional facility.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is granted service connection, while left ear hearing loss and hypertension are denied. The initial ratings for upper extremity peripheral neuropathy and radiculopathy are also granted.

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 service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to conflicting medical opinions and theories of entitlement not addressed by the VA examiners. An additional medical opinion is needed regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's hearing loss.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for Agent Orange exposure is denied. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are currently rated as the maximum allowed under VA regulations. The Veteran's psychiatric disorder (PTSD, anxiety disorder, and depressive disorder) and left index finger disability require further examination to determine appropriate ratings.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not meet the criteria for financial assistance for an automobile and adaptive equipment, or adaptive equipment only.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss has reportedly worsened, and a new examination is needed to assess the current status of his condition.

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 his active duty service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is at least as likely as not related to his exposure to loud noises during active duty service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and right ankle disability are not service-connected, but remanded for further examination to determine if these conditions were caused or aggravated by his service-connected right great toe disability.,Regarding tinnitus, the Veteran is seeking service connection based on in-service noise exposure. The VA examiner will need to provide an opinion regarding whether the Veteran's current tinnitus is related to his period of service.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus has been reopened due to the submission of new evidence. The Board found that the Veteran had in-service noise exposure, which is conceded, and established a nexus between his current hearing loss and tinnitus and his military service. Therefore, both conditions are granted as service connected.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and abdominal hernia residuals, as their last examinations are more than four years old. The cases are being remanded to obtain updated medical records and conduct new VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration due to incomplete records and the need for an opinion regarding the Veteran's hearing loss.

The Veteran's hearing loss is rated as noncompensable, with the highest level of impairment being Level II in both ears. The Board found that his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's appeal for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied, and the issue of service connection for left knee disorder is remanded for further development.