Hearing loss decisions — 2019

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for the 10 percent rating for service-connected bilateral hearing loss has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal in a February 2019 statement.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, but remanded the issue of hearing loss due to inadequate medical opinions.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was not related to his military service, as it did not manifest during or within one year after separation and is otherwise unrelated to in-service noise exposure. The Board denied the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's request to reopen claims for service connection for various conditions, including hypertension, cervical spine disability, bilateral hearing loss, right knee disability, and nose and left hand scars, was granted. The effective date of the increased rating for PTSD is denied.

The Veteran's representative raised the question of the collective effect of his service-connected disabilities in determining whether he is entitled to a TDIU. The case is being remanded for further examination and consideration.

The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome, skin condition of the feet, and bilateral hearing loss are not service-connected. However, service connection for ischemic heart disease is granted with an effective date of January 22, 2012.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for his left lower leg scar is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is remanded as there may have been a worsening of his hearing since the last VA examination, and additional records are needed. The matter will also be remanded if more recent treatment records show diagnosed PTSD.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability is remanded due to the need for new VA examination records including MRI results.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of service treatment records and the need for an addendum opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has worsened since his last examination in 2016, and updated VA treatment records are needed. A new VA audio examination is required to determine the current severity of his condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss and an increased evaluation for left knee osteoarthritis prior to January 8, 2018 were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of in-service noise exposure or incurrence of a left knee disability during service, respectively.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, as well as his claim for an initial, compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss prior to March 29, 2016, have been dismissed. The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, adjustment disorder with depression and anxiety) is remanded.

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 are related to the Veteran's active service.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis of hearing loss did not begin during service or is otherwise related to an in-service injury. However, the Board granted service connection for tinnitus, finding credible the Veteran's testimony regarding its onset during service.

The Board has determined that additional examinations are needed for the Veteran's lumbar strain and degenerative disc disease, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and bilateral hearing loss due to potential worsening of symptoms since his last VA examinations.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary for the Veteran's hypertension and bilateral hearing loss claims due to the need for updated VA examinations and additional medical records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between his in-service noise exposure and his current hearing loss disability.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance or homebound status, nor does he qualify for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and granted service connection for tinnitus. The Veteran's hearing loss was not related to his military service, but the onset of his tinnitus during service is presumed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of bilateral hearing loss was granted on August 14, 2017. The Board denied a request for an earlier effective date.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, but the issues of entitlement to a compensable rating for left foot scar and total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) are still pending.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee condition, bilateral hearing loss, and headaches remain pending. The Board has remanded these issues for further development.