Hearing loss decisions — 2019

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased rating for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss was denied, and the case is remanded.,The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for status post laminectomy, lumbosacral spine and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity associated with status post laminectomy, lumbosacral spine are remanded.,The Veteran's claim for a TDIU is also remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the case for an additional VA examination and opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran is responsible for reporting for this examination.

The Veteran's appeal for restoration of a 40 percent rating for bilateral hearing loss disability is granted, effective June 1, 2017. The appeal for an increased rating in excess of 40 percent for the same condition is denied.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations and medical opinions are inadequate for deciding these issues, as they did not consider the Veteran's MOS of Auto Mechanic and his reports of ringing in his ears during service. The case is being remanded to obtain an addendum opinion from an appropriate clinician regarding whether the Veteran’s currently diagnosed bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus at least as likely as not began during active service, manifested within one year after discharge from service, or were noted during service with continuity of the same symptomatology since service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for schizotypal personality disorder was granted. The claims for back disability, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, heat exhaustion, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) were all denied.,Service connection for the back disability, to include lumbar strain and mild multilevel cervical spondylosis, is not established as it did not have its onset in service or otherwise relate to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss has been reopened. The Board also remanded the issues of sleep apnea, right ear hearing loss, low back disability, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and right thigh paralysis of the external cutaneous nerve.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus, finding that there was no evidence of in-service noise exposure or a current disability related to service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated at a 10 percent disability rating, effective February 29, 2012.

The Board denied a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for an increased evaluation.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to conflicting opinions on whether these conditions are caused or aggravated by service-connected TBI.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected.,PTSD and anxiety are denied as not service-connected.,Bilateral hearing loss and major depressive disorder are remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's left ankle fracture and bilateral hearing loss have worsened since the last examinations, and a remand is needed for VA examinations to evaluate their current severity.

The Board has determined that further examination and opinion are needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and an acquired psychiatric condition, including PTSD and MDD.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, ischemic heart disease, tinnitus, neuropathy of the right radial nerve, and bilateral hearing loss, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has determined that a TDIU is warranted based on his physical and psychological impairments.

The Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to March 29, 2011 for the grants of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support earlier effective dates. Service connection claims for laryngitis, sleep apnea, headaches, and a psychiatric disability are remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his in-service combat noise exposure, granting service connection for both conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's tinnitus and left ear hearing loss. The issues of service connection for both conditions are now pending.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's conditions are related to his periods of active duty training (ACDUTRA).

The Board has remanded the claims for entitlement to compensable ratings for right and left ear disabilities due to inadequate examination findings. The Veteran's complaints of discharge from both ears are noted, which may be relevant to his hearing loss and ear conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that there was no evidence linking his current hearing loss to his military service.