Hearing loss decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development and examination. The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection, but his bilateral hearing loss disability and cervical spine disability are not.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied for right ear hearing loss disability, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), and bilateral foot condition. The Veteran's claims for tinnitus, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are granted. The Veteran's claims for vertigo, hypertension, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), nephrolithiasis, and erectile dysfunction are remanded.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, but has remanded it for further development and an examination.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for service connection of bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as a higher initial rating for tinnitus. The Veteran's claims were based on his belief that he should have been notified of potential hearing issues at separation from service.

The Veteran was granted service connection for allergic rhinitis and toe nail dermatophytosis/onychomycosis, both of which began during active service. Service connection is denied for bilateral hearing loss disability, chronic otitis externa, right elbow lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow), and right ankle joint disability.,The Veteran was granted service connection for allergic rhinitis and toe nail dermatophytosis/onychomycosis, both of which began during active service. Service connection is denied for bilateral hearing loss disability, chronic otitis externa, right elbow lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow), and right ankle joint disability.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted service connection, while a rating in excess of 10 percent for the lumbar spine disability is denied prior to October 12, 2010. Separate ratings for radiculopathy of the lower extremities are also remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection of thoracolumbar degenerative disc disease, right lower extremity radiculopathy, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The effective date was not earlier than October 15, 2014 as these conditions were first received by VA on that date.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for right arm tendonitis and left ear hearing loss due to incomplete records and need for further examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is related to service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current left knee disability, plantar fasciitis, bilateral hearing loss, chronic fatigue syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or anxiety disorder.,The VA examiner found no evidence of a right knee disability during service and concluded that any current right knee disability is not related to service.

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

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, fibromyalgia, chronic back disability, and OSA, were denied. The effective dates for the grants of service connection for these conditions remain pending.

The Veteran's service connection claim for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss is granted as the evidence shows a current disability, exposure to noise during service, and continuous symptoms since separation.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for gout and arthritis of the knees, feet and low back, as well as bilateral hearing loss. The nonservice-connected pension claim is also remanded due to its inextricability with the other claims.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to an inadequate VA examination.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted as service connected. The seizure disorder and actinic keratosis claims are denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability for bilateral pes planus and right ear hearing loss, as there is no evidence of such conditions in his service records or post-service medical records. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include depression and PTSD) will be remanded to obtain additional information regarding the claimed stressor.

The Veteran's current non-compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for a new VA audiological examination to determine the severity of his condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability and no link between his in-service noise exposure and his current condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hearing loss of the right ear, finding that there was no evidence of aggravation during service and concluding that the pre-existing condition did not worsen.