Hearing loss decisions — 2019

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for his bilateral hearing loss disability is remanded due to the need for clarification of audiometric testing word lists and additional VA audiological examination.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus as due to in-service noise exposure. The decision is based on the Veteran's credible statements regarding in-service noise exposure, his current diagnosis of hearing loss, and the opinion that his tinnitus is at least as likely as not a symptom associated with the hearing loss.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including COPD, PTSD, SFW left groin, thigh, penis, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss, resulted in functional impairment that precluded him from maintaining substantially gainful employment for the period from December 19, 2011 to June 5, 2016. A TDIU rating was granted during this period.

The Board has denied service connection for left knee tenosynovitis and remanded the claims for lumbosacral (back) disability, cervical (neck) disability, and bilateral hearing loss due to lack of nexus between current conditions and active service.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for his left ear hearing loss disability was denied. Prior to May 7, 2011, the Veteran had Level V hearing loss in his left ear and from May 7, 2011, he had Level XI hearing loss.

The Veteran's tinnitus rating is denied, and a 10 percent rating for left ear chronic suppurative otitis media continues. The right ear disability with hearing loss has been rated at 10 percent since September 28, 2011. The effective dates for service connection of the right ear disability and the evaluation of bilateral otitis media with perforation of tympanic membranes and hearing loss are denied.

The claim of entitlement to service connection for a low back disability has been reopened and granted.,The claim of entitlement to service connection for a right ear hearing loss disability remains denied.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss was rated as noncompensable prior to August 13, 2015 and 20 percent from that date. The Board found the evidence did not support a higher rating at any time during the appeal period.

Service connection for diabetes mellitus was denied as new and material evidence had not been received. The claim of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is denied due to the Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss preventing him from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment.,Entitlement to cause of death determination for the Veteran was denied as there is no evidence showing that any fatal condition was caused by his military service. The appellant received burial benefits but not more than $700.00 due to exceeding the allowable amount.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding the lung condition and hearing loss. The Board will schedule a VA examination to determine if the lung condition is related to service.

The Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to October 6, 2014, for the award of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are denied. The Board also finds that his claims for sleep apnea, gastrointestinal disorder, erectile dysfunction, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and dysthymic disorder) require further development as they may be related to pre-existing conditions or personal assault during boot camp.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection were dismissed. The Board found that the evidence did not support reopening or granting any of the claims, including those for bilateral hearing loss and varicose veins.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient medical evidence and further development is needed.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability and bilateral hearing loss due to incomplete records, including missing STRs from his 1976 period of active service. The VA will need to obtain these records and provide an addendum regarding the etiology of the Veteran’s current bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for PTSD was denied, and the cases of bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, coronary artery disease (CAD), and hypertension were remanded due to incomplete records and need for further examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for sleep apnea, arthritis (including as secondary to sleep apnea), bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus due to missing service treatment records and inadequate medical opinions. The Veteran's lay statements and medical evidence are sufficient to warrant VA examinations and medical opinions.

The Board has denied service connection for right ear hearing loss and remanded the issues of service connection for bilateral hand condition and numbness/scar on the 2nd toe of the left foot due to exposure to cold temperatures during active duty.

The Veteran's appeals have been dismissed as he has requested to withdraw his appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is at least as likely as not related to his in-service acoustic trauma, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has not reached the level for which a compensable rating is warranted under the schedular criteria. The claim is being remanded to consider whether an extraschedular rating is appropriate.