Hearing loss decisions — 2019

The Veteran's TDIU claim was denied because the evidence did not show he was unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities, as his non-service-connected conditions (back injury, depression) were found to be more significant in preventing him from working.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable initial rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied. The Board has also remanded the claims for service connection for low back condition, right knee pain, and left knee pain due to inadequate examination.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is related to in-service noise exposure and has been granted as a direct service connection.

The Board has denied an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss and remanded the issue of service connection for a dental disorder. The Veteran's hearing loss disability is currently rated at 20 percent, while his dental disorder remains unresolved due to lack of VA examination prior to the appeal.

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 compensable degree of hearing loss within one year after service. The Veteran's entrance and exit examinations showed normal hearing, and he did not report any symptoms of hearing loss.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss disability is related to in-service acoustic trauma and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was dismissed as the rating decision at issue did not come from the Rapid Appeals Modernization Program (RAMP).

The Veteran's claims for service connection were granted, but the compensation rate was not adjusted due to his spouse being a dependent. The Board dismissed the appeal as there is no case or controversy affecting the provision of benefits by VA over which the Board may exercise jurisdiction.

The Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus are not considered to be severe enough to prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, but the medical evidence is conflicting. The Board has decided to remand for an independent medical examination to clarify whether these conditions render the Veteran unemployable.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss has been denied as the audiometric testing shows that his hearing loss is no worse than Level II in both ears, resulting in a noncompensable (0%) disability rating.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty to assist error regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran will need an audiological examination by an examiner who has not previously examined him.

The Veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability is remanded due to lack of medical opinion regarding its cause.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee patellofemoral syndrome with iliotibial band syndrome and denied service connection for an eye disability and left ear hearing loss. The Veteran's current left knee condition is found to be related to his in-service injury, while the evidence does not support a finding of a current eye or ear disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus, PTSD, and bilateral hearing loss are related to service. However, further evidence is needed for the psychiatric disorder claim due to outstanding Vet Center records, and a new examination is required for both the hearing loss and PTSD claims.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and left ear hearing loss due to a lack of recent medical evidence and an opinion on whether these conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for left ear hearing loss and otitis externa due to inadequate VA examinations. The claim is being returned for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and scheduling a new VA examination.

The Veteran's clothing allowance for the calendar year 2017 for a back brace is granted due to wear and tear on his clothes caused by using a back brace.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for sleep apnea has been withdrawn. Service connection for GERD and migraine/tension headaches, both secondary to PTSD with major depressive disorder, is granted.,Service connection for cervical spine degenerative joint disease, status post anterior fusion, radiculopathy right upper extremity, and right hand tremors, all claimed as secondary to PTSD with major depressive disorder, is remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding no link between his current conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted as service-connected. The squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue is not service-connected, presumed to be due to herbicide exposure.