Hearing loss decisions — 2019

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss was evaluated as level I, resulting in a zero percent rating. The Board found that the evidence did not support a compensable evaluation for this condition.

The Board has vacated its May 16, 2018 decision and remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been denied. The issues of service connection for dermatomyositis, diabetes mellitus, type 2, and vision problems have been remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's conditions began in service and have continued to the present.

The Board has decided to remand the claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss due to a lack of recent examination, and to schedule the Veteran for a VA examination.

The Board denied service connection for right ear hearing loss as there was no evidence linking the condition to active duty service.

The Board granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his in-service noise exposure. The claim was reopened due to new evidence submitted since the 1946 denial.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for a right ankle disability, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus due to additional development being necessary. The AOJ is required to obtain medical records, schedule an examination for the Veteran regarding his ankle disability, and provide an addendum opinion on his hearing loss claim.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of April 26, 2016 for a 30 percent rating for migraine headaches is denied. The claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are remanded.

The Veteran's tinnitus has been granted service connection. The hearing loss issue remains pending and will be remanded for further review.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of a respiratory disorder has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal prior to the Board making a decision. The appeals for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder are remanded.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for VA examinations to assess the impact of his service-connected conditions on his ability to work.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connection due to a current disability that began during active service.,Service connection for irritable bowel syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), and an acquired psychiatric disorder are denied. The Veteran will need further VA examinations to determine the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has granted an effective date of January 12, 2012 for a 50% rating for service-connected bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's claim was filed on September 18, 2012, and the increase in severity is factually ascertainable as of that date.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as service connected due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam. The left ear hearing loss disability does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity is granted at a 20% rating, effective from April 15, 2019. The other issues remain unresolved.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and PTSD were denied. The effective dates for these conditions are not earlier than February 19, 2014.

The Veteran's claim for bilateral hearing loss was denied. From July 25, 2012 to April 24, 2013, the Veteran received a maximum 60 percent rating for his lumbar spine disability under the IVDS Rating Formula. The Veteran also received a 10 percent rating for left knee chondromalacia from July 25, 2012.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is related to service, resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has remanded several service connection claims due to insufficient evidence or procedural issues.