Hearing loss decisions — 2019

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is currently rated at 10 percent, but no higher. The Board has granted a compensable rating based on the audiometric test results.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as he does not have a current diagnosis of bilateral hearing loss for VA compensation purposes.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been reopened and granted. The Board found that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether the Veteran experienced hearing loss during service, thus granting service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were denied. However, new evidence was submitted reopening the claims, leading to a grant of service connection for tinnitus but denial for bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran is now assigned an initial rating of 50% for PTSD and body dysmorphic disorder.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has been rated as noncompensably disabling, with no worse than Level I hearing impairment in both ears. The Board denied an initial compensable rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss.

Service connection is granted for tinnitus, but the case is remanded for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran has a hearing loss disability and whether it is related to service.

The Board has decided to remand the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to additional development needed.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death. The surviving spouse is referred for substitution and the right to request to be substituted as the appellant remains.

The Veteran's service connection claims for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, bilateral hearing loss, and a headache disability are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding their etiology.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus has been granted. The claim for bilateral hearing loss remains in appellate status as the Veteran does not have a current disability.,The claims of service connection for cerebrovascular accident (stroke) and headaches, along with the rating issue for headaches, are being remanded.

The Veteran's death at a private hospital is being reviewed for eligibility for VA burial benefits. The appellant contends that the Veteran was under VA-contracted care at the time of his death, but VA records are needed to confirm this. She must provide any additional medical records pertinent to her claim.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and remanded the issue of a higher initial rating for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to inadequate opinions in his VA examinations regarding the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between his current hearing loss and his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further examination and opinion regarding his claims of service connection for a psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and ADHD; bilateral hearing loss; and right shoulder dislocation.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied. The VA determined that the Veteran’s hearing acuity did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under VA regulations.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss and lower extremity radiculopathies. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is remanded for further development.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar spine disorder, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD with anxiety and depression), sleep apnea, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, type 2, and erectile dysfunction. The issues of service connection for these conditions are being remanded due to insufficient medical opinions.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that these conditions are related to the Veteran's active military service.