Hearing loss decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to the need for updated VA audiological evaluations.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is granted service connection as it was caused by noise exposure during his military service. However, the prostate cancer is denied as there is no evidence linking it to service.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection of various conditions are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is etiologically related to in-service acoustic trauma, and thus service connection for this condition is granted.

The VA denied the appellant's claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, finding that his disability has manifested as no more than Level II hearing impairment in the right ear and Level III hearing impairment in the left ear. The Board found that the preponderance of evidence is against the award of a higher schedular rating.

The Board dismissed the appeals for increased rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD, service connection for COPD, and reopening of claim for right ear hearing loss. The decision also granted service connection for right ear hearing loss.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss has been rated as noncompensable, and the Board found no basis for a compensable rating at any point during the appeal period.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary prior to final adjudication of the Veteran's claims, including obtaining private treatment records and providing VA examinations for his hearing loss, neck disorder, left shoulder disorder, and thoracolumbar spine disability.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's hearing loss, and a new VA examination is required.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that there is no evidence of a current disability related to in-service noise exposure and concluding that the preponderance of the competent evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran's hearing loss was incurred or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were denied as the evidence did not show a nexus to service, including noise exposure. The claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status was also denied due to lack of qualifying service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability, tinnitus, and left foot disability due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient explanation of VA's duty to assist and for obtaining private treatment records from Palm Bay Hospital. The Veteran also contends that a higher rating is warranted on an extraschedular basis, and a new examination is needed.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for increased ratings and temporary evaluations, effectively dismissing the cases.

The Board dismissed the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and COPD due to asbestos exposure. The claim for tinnitus was granted, with the decision finding that the Veteran's current tinnitus is at least as likely as not related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to additional medical evidence from SSA being added to the file.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been granted, as well as a 60% rating for eczema and psoriasis effective February 13, 2013. The claim for an earlier effective date for the PTSD with MDD rating has been denied.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss resulted in no worse than Level II hearing bilaterally throughout the appeal period, which does not meet the criteria for an initial compensable rating.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to unclear audiometric data and insufficient supporting rationale. The Veteran's service connection claim for bilateral hearing loss is being sent back for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus but denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's current levels of hearing acuity in the left ear do not meet the criteria for hearing loss as defined by VA regulations, and there is no evidence of hearing loss in either ear during service or thereafter.