Hearing loss decisions — 2019

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable, with Level I hearing impairment in both ears. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased rating for service-connected bilateral hearing loss was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not warrant a higher evaluation, as his hearing impairment did not meet or approximate the criteria for a compensable evaluation prior to March 29, 2018 and in excess of 30 percent on and after March 29, 2018.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted as service connected due to exposure to loud noise during active duty.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right shoulder, left shoulder, and bilateral hearing loss disabilities. The claim for a higher rating for coronary artery disease was also denied.

The Board has remanded the cases due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Veteran's service connection claim for bilateral hearing loss is denied as the evidence does not support a finding that his current hearing loss disability is related to active duty service.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was dismissed because the appellant requested a withdrawal of the claim before the Board could make a decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is etiologically related to acoustic trauma sustained during his last tour of duty in active service, and thus grants entitlement to service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, diabetes mellitus type II, and peripheral neuropathy are all granted as service connected. The claims for these conditions were reopened based on new evidence.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied as his audiometric test results did not meet the criteria for a schedular rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to the need for updated VA audiological testing and an opinion on whether his hearing loss is related to service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated at 20 percent prior to December 8, 2017 and in excess of 20 percent thereafter. The appeal for a higher rating is denied.

The Veteran's appeals for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus and an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for tinnitus have been withdrawn.,The Board has remanded several issues related to service connection, including back condition, right knee condition, left ankle injury, right wrist condition, bilateral hearing loss, sleep disorder (to include insomnia), and acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected.,The cervical spine and lumbar spine disabilities are remanded for further examination and opinion due to conflicting medical opinions.,Bilateral hearing loss is also remanded for a new VA examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated as noncompensable, and the claim for an increased rating is denied.,The Veteran's hemorrhoids are rated as noncompensable, and the claim for an increased rating is denied.,The Veteran's calluses on both feet are rated as noncompensable, and the claim for a higher initial rating is denied.,The effective date for service connection of the Veteran's calluses on both feet cannot be earlier than November 18, 2014.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and increased ratings for his left and right ankle conditions.,For bilateral hearing loss, the evidence did not show a relationship to service. For both ankles, there was no marked limitation of motion.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to verify the Veteran's claimed in-service stressor event and obtain additional service records. Service connection will be considered based on the evidence of record.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to insufficient evidence in the prior decision. The Veteran's tinnitus claim is granted, but his bilateral hearing loss claim requires additional medical opinion.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to in-service noise exposure.