Hearing loss decisions — 2019

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination and lack of consideration of certain factors in determining the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the evidence did not establish a nexus between current hearing impairment and active duty service.

The Veteran's hearing loss has been rated as noncompensable, with the Board finding that the established schedular criteria adequately describe his disability level and symptomatology.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for PTSD was dismissed due to the death of the appellant. The appeals for an evaluation in excess of 40 percent for bilateral hearing loss and TDIU prior to August 28, 2018, were also dismissed as they are moot.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to insufficient evidence regarding their onset during or related to his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted at a 70 percent rating, effective from the date of the decision. The hearing loss and allergic rhinitis remain rated as they are.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to incomplete development. The AOJ must obtain additional evidence, including lay statements corroborating in-service noise exposure and any pertinent post-service treatment records.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The claims are remanded for further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and an addendum opinion from a clinician regarding the etiology of the Veteran’s bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether these conditions had their onset during or are otherwise related to the Veteran's period of active service.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is denied prior to August 3, 2016 and remanded for further evaluation of his TDIU claim from August 3, 2016 to August 16, 2018.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, low back disability (IVDS of the thoracolumbar spine), respiratory condition, and skin lesion of the left cheek have been denied. However, new evidence has been submitted to reopen these previously denied claims.,Service connection has now been granted for a low back disability (IVDS of the thoracolumbar spine). The Veteran's other claims remain denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for an effective date earlier than October 5, 2007 for service connection of Parkinson's disease and its complications, SMC based on need for aid and attendance, higher initial rating for Parkinson's disease to include its complications, service connection for dental trauma, and TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and major depressive disorder were denied. The rating for major depressive disorder prior to March 3, 2009, was also denied. The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for major depressive disorder after March 3, 2009, is pending and will be remanded.

The Veteran's low back disability is not service-connected as it did not manifest during or within one year after service and there is no evidence of continuity of symptomatology.,Bilateral hearing loss was not shown for VA purposes, thus the claim is denied.,Service connection for tinnitus is granted based on credible supporting evidence that the Veteran experienced acoustic trauma in service and has had constant ringing in his ears since then.,The acquired psychiatric disability (likely PTSD) is granted as there is a link between current symptoms and an in-service stressor, supported by lay testimony.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and kidney disability have been reopened, but both conditions are denied as there is no current disability.

The Board has remanded several claims due to the need for additional development, including obtaining audiometric test results and determining whether the Veteran was exposed to herbicides during service.,The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as PTSD) is also being remanded for further examination.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to the need for new VA examinations and consideration of updated treatment records. The issues include a compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss, a higher disability rating for PTSD, and TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions and a need for an expert opinion from an otolaryngologist (ENT).

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding no evidence of a nexus between current disabilities and military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residual nerve damage from a tonsillectomy has been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence.,Service connection is granted for left ear hearing loss, as it is etiologically related to acoustic trauma sustained in active service.