Hearing loss decisions — 2019

The Veteran's sleep apnea is granted as secondary to service-connected PTSD and right upper extremity disabilities. The claims for myocardial infarction, hypertension, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and PTSD are denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral tinnitus and initial compensable rating for the service-connected bilateral hearing loss has been denied. The Board found that there is no evidence of current tinnitus symptoms, and the Veteran's hearing loss does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Board has determined that an independent medical opinion is needed to determine if the Veteran's hearing loss was caused by VA medical care, specifically medication for erectile dysfunction.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is currently rated as zero percent, and the claim for service connection of bronchiectasis (claimed as COPD) is remanded due to insufficient evidence in the VA examination.

The Veteran's service connection claims for hearing loss in the left ear and tinnitus are granted. The claim for hearing loss in the right ear is denied.

The Board has determined that there has not been substantial compliance with the prior remand directives and has therefore ordered further action to be taken on the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD, hearing loss, and coronary artery disease, as well as a TDIU determination.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development regarding hearing loss. Service connection for congestive heart failure and diabetes mellitus is denied as there is no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's right ear hearing loss, which is claimed as secondary to in-service noise exposure.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus as the Veteran did not have a current disability of these conditions at any point pertinent to the pendency of his claim.

The Veteran's tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss disability are granted as service connected due to in-service noise exposure.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to his military service and resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied because there is no current disability that meets the VA compensation criteria.

The Veteran's claims for right upper extremity thrombosis, PFB, bilateral hearing loss, sinus condition (including sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, and sore throat), cervical spine disability with associated left upper extremity radiculopathy, lumbar spine disability with associated right lower extremity radiculopathy, bilateral arm and hand disability, and residuals of an oral surgery are all denied as there is no current evidence of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, bilateral pes planus, and headaches have been granted. The Board found that the evidence established a nexus between each condition and the Veteran's active duty service.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service treatment records and a need for an addendum opinion regarding the onset of bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of his conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, left ankle disability, and right knee disability are granted. The claim for TDIU is also granted.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus but has remanded the issue of service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to potential errors in the February 2015 VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his in-service exposure to noise. The decision is based on the Veteran's credible lay statements regarding his symptoms and exposure.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, PTSD with alcohol use disorder, sleep apnea, and a dental disorder secondary to PTSD due to outstanding VA treatment records and the need for further examinations.