Hearing loss decisions — 2019

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease and anxiety disorder, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. His TDIU application is granted.

The Board has expanded the claim to include consideration of various other ear disabilities and has remanded for further development due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's hearing loss, otalgia, ear popping, dizziness, and balance problems.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable disability evaluation for bilateral hearing loss has been denied. The Board found that the Veteran's hearing levels did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is related to his in-service noise exposure and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, a right eye disability, and a right shoulder disability as there was no evidence of current disabilities or a link to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied because the evidence does not show a current disability as defined by VA regulations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and PTSD due to the need for additional medical opinions and records.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and skin disorder due to inadequate VA examination opinions. The Veteran's claims are reopened as new and material evidence was received since the last final denial.

The Veteran's tinnitus and depression disorder are granted as secondary to service-connected conditions. Bilateral hearing loss is remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates prior to February 27, 2013, for lumbar spine and cervical spine disabilities are denied.,The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates prior to February 27, 2013, for right knee disability are denied.,Service connection is granted for bilateral hearing loss.,Service connection is granted for left knee disability.,COPD service connection and psychiatric disorder service connection are remanded for further development.,Right knee, lumbar spine, and cervical spine disabilities' increased ratings are remanded for additional medical opinions.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for spinal stenosis of the lumbar spine and degenerative disc disease, as well as bilateral hearing loss. The decision is based on evidence showing current disabilities are related to in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for defective vision, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, hepatitis C, cirrhosis of the liver, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, and erectile dysfunction have been reopened. Service connection has been granted for PTSD effective October 27, 2003. Other claims remain pending.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current disability is related to his active duty service. The evidence shows noise exposure during service and a current diagnosis of bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied because there is no current diagnosis of a disability. The claim for service connection for tinnitus is granted as the evidence supports that it had its onset during service.

The Veteran's broken teeth or loss of teeth claim is granted, but service connection is denied. Hearing loss and tinnitus claims are also denied.

The Veteran's claim for bilateral hearing loss disability is dismissed as he withdrew his claim prior to the promulgation of a decision.,The claim to reopen the low back disability was denied because no new and material evidence was presented, and the Board found that the evidence did not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim.,Tinnitus is granted as service connection is established due to acoustic trauma during active service.,GERD is granted as service connection is established based on symptoms in-service and continuity of symptoms since service.,Left knee, right knee, left ankle, and right ankle disabilities are remanded for further examination and opinion regarding their etiology.,Rash on the hands and arms is remanded for further examination and opinion regarding its etiology.,Headaches are remanded for further examination and opinion regarding their etiology.

The Board has found that further development is needed to fulfill its duties under the VCAA, including obtaining SSA records related to the Veteran's disability benefits application. The claims for service connection are remanded and will be reconsidered after any additional evidence is obtained.

The Board denied service connection for left shoulder, right shoulder, and right hip conditions due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to service or service-connected disabilities.,Service connection was also denied for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, obstructive sleep apnea, heart condition, and blood pressure condition. The Veteran's cholesterol condition is not considered a chronic disability warranting VA benefits.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and right ear otitis media, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including right eye injury, bilateral foot plantar fasciitis, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, abnormal toenail growth, esophageal disorder, gastrointestinal disorder, type II diabetes mellitus, chloracne of the arm and neck, heart disease (to include coronary artery disease), and hypertension. The claims are remanded due to incomplete service records and need further review.