Hearing loss decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied as his hearing loss did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board has found that the Veteran's service connection claim for right ear hearing loss should be remanded due to insufficient evidence and need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for right ear hearing loss, anxiety disorder NOS (PTSD spectrum/PTSD features), and depressive disorder NOS are granted. The claim for a back disorder is denied.

The Board has determined that a new medical opinion is needed to determine if the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is related to in-service noise exposure.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's right ear hearing loss, which may be related to in-service infections.

The Veteran's appeals for left knee strain, right knee strain, arm wound, bilateral hearing loss disability, and respiratory disorder (claimed as breathing issues) have been dismissed. The appeal for service connection for traumatic brain injury (TBI) is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to his testimony indicating that his hearing loss has worsened. A new examination is required to determine the current level of severity.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a skin disability. The claim for a skin disability was reopened due to new evidence showing a possible link to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee disability, vision condition, bilateral hearing loss, and asthma have all been denied as there is no current diagnosis of these conditions or a link to service.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for hypertension is remanded due to insufficient evidence. The Board will seek a definitive opinion regarding the etiology of his hypertension, including whether it is related to Agent Orange exposure.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been reopened.,Service connection has been granted for tinnitus, but the claim for bilateral hearing loss remains pending as it was remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, leading to the grant of TDIU. The case for service connection of residuals from a traumatic brain injury is remanded.

The Veteran's appeals regarding right and left ear hearing loss have been dismissed due to his death. The Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of these claims as he died during the appeal process.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated at 70 percent from May 29, 2018 and 40 percent prior to that date. The highest possible rating of 70 percent has been granted.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was rated at 20 percent prior to April 11, 2016. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating.

The Veteran's service-connected left vocal cord paralysis and bilateral hearing loss do not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus have been denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities or a link to service.

The Board denied service connection for right ear hearing loss as the Veteran's preexisting condition did not worsen during service. The case was remanded for further development regarding non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, including obtaining a radiation dose estimate and seeking an opinion from the Under Secretary of Benefits.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since February 23, 2016.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated at 20% effective April 8, 2004. Service connection for prostate cancer and diabetes mellitus, type 2 are remanded due to lack of evidence regarding exposure to herbicides.