Hearing loss decisions — 2019

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability has been manifested by loss of hearing acuity measured at no worse than Level I in the right ear and Level III in the left ear. The criteria for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss have not been met.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, skin disability, and knee disabilities due to potential conflicts in medical opinions and lack of recent VA examinations.

The Veteran's prostate cancer and depressive disorder are granted service connection. The claim for bilateral hearing loss disability is remanded due to incomplete records, and the claims for Meniere's syndrome and headaches are also remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus have been denied as there is no evidence of a nexus between the disabilities and service.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, but denied service connection for bilateral tinnitus. Bilateral hearing loss is found to be etiologically related to noise exposure during periods of active duty training in the Alabama Army National Guard. Tinnitus was not shown during service and there is no competent evidence linking it to military service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, sleep apnea (related to service-connected deviated nasal septum and rhinitis), left hand disability, and acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression and anxiety) are all granted. The Veteran's deviated nasal septum and rhinitis do not warrant a compensable rating.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (anxiety disorder and depressive disorder) is granted, while service connection for arthritis of bilateral hands, right shoulder disorder, left shoulder disorder, and bilateral hearing loss are denied. The claim for a disability rating greater than 10 percent for hypertension is also denied.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disability, bilateral hearing loss disability, and tinnitus are not granted. The case is remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the tinnitus claim.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran was exposed to acoustic trauma in service. Service connection is denied for chronic fatigue syndrome.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for a head injury with residual chronic headaches is granted. The claims of service connection for right ear hearing loss, thoracolumbar spine disorder, sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, traumatic brain injury with residual headaches, and right knee disability are all remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has determined that further development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including left shoulder disorder, bilateral knee disorders, bilateral hearing loss, and sleep apnea syndrome. The claims are being remanded to obtain a VA examination and supplemental opinion regarding these issues.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for hearing loss and skin condition of the feet due to a lack of VA examination.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected due to its onset within one year of separation from service. The hearing loss claim is remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, bilateral elbow disabilities, bilateral knee disabilities, bilateral wrist disabilities, and TDIU have been dismissed. The appeal for service connection for a back condition has been remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to in-service noise exposure. The Veteran needs to be provided with a VA examination to determine if he has diagnosed hearing loss and tinnitus, and whether these conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated as non-compensable, and the Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a compensable rating.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to determine if the Veteran meets the criteria for right ear hearing loss for VA purposes and to verify his dates of Reserve service. The claims are being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic adjustment disorder with anxiety and depression, bilateral dry eyes, and headaches is granted. The claims for other acquired psychiatric disability (PTSD), left ear hearing loss, and obstructive sleep apnea are denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions regarding his hearing loss, sleep apnea, hypertension, ulcerative colitis, anemia, acne and boils (skin condition), and acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient assessment of the Veteran's right ear hearing loss and his assertion that it has worsened. The claim will be further evaluated after a more comprehensive examination.