Hearing loss decisions — 2019

The Veteran's hearing impairment has been no worse than Level II in the right ear and Level I in the left ear during the period from January 5, 2016 to March 13, 2018. Therefore, a compensable rating is not warranted.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for dizziness, chest pain, tinea cruris, and erectile dysfunction were dismissed. The appeal of his athlete's foot was granted with a remand for an increased rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that there was no current disability as defined by VA regulations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him so helpless as to need regular aid and attendance or permanently and substantially confined to his immediate premises, thus SMC based on aid and attendance or housebound status is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus disabilities, finding that the Veteran's current diagnoses are related to in-service noise exposure. The claims were reopened due to new evidence received since the last final denial.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma due to inadequate examination opinions and potential herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was rated at 10 percent prior to January 30, 2018 and remains at 10 percent thereafter. A higher rating is not warranted as the evidence does not meet the criteria for a rating higher than 10 percent.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, increased rating for right knee arthritis, and compensable disability rating for left eye cataract were all denied. The decision did not address the service connection claim as it was decided on the merits.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's sleep apnea and bilateral hearing loss need further examination to determine their etiology, and TDIU is remanded due to its inextricability with other issues.

The Veteran's service connection claims for left ear hearing loss and tinnitus have been granted. However, an initial compensable rating for bilateral (formerly right ear) hearing loss has not been met.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is rated as noncompensable (0%) due to Level I hearing acuity in both ears, and the criteria for a compensable rating have not been met.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, including whether it is caused or aggravated by his service-connected tinnitus.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss but remanded the tinnitus claim due to incomplete adjudication.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for additional medical opinions. The issues include right knee condition, bilateral hearing loss, PTSD, and lumbar spine condition.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is found to be related to his military service, and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and chronic ear infections due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that these conditions are related to the Veteran's active service. Service connection was denied for his right shoulder disability due to lack of evidence showing its onset during service or a direct relationship to service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to incomplete information regarding the Veteran's attempts to re-enlist in the Marine Corps or Navy Reserves. The Veteran is requested to provide more specific information about his attempts to enlist, including when and where he attempted to do so.

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

The claim for service connection of a low back disability and bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records and conduct further examinations.