Hearing loss decisions — 2019

The Board has determined that the April 2013 rating decisions denying service connection for TBI residuals and right ear hearing loss are not final, as new and material evidence has been submitted. The claims will be remanded to allow further development.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development and examination, including obtaining updated medical opinions on tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, and frontal headaches.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain updated medical evidence regarding the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus disabilities, as these conditions may have been aggravated by in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not cause him to need regular aid and assistance of another person, thus denying his claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left ear hearing loss, back disability, and left knee disability have been reopened. The new evidence provided current diagnoses of these conditions, which were not present at the time of the previous denial.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss is related to noise exposure in service and has been continuous since service. The Board granted the claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hearing loss is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability related to service.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability related to service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further examination to determine if he is unemployable due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and skin cancer due to insufficient opinions regarding their etiology.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, neuropathy of the right forearm and hand, and right knee status post meniscal tear, rendered him unable to obtain or maintain substantial gainful employment prior to August 8, 2014.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of bilateral hearing loss, finding that there was no evidence of in-service injury or disease and that his current hearing loss did not manifest within one year after separation from service. The Board also found no continuity of symptomatology.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims regarding sleep apnea, tinnitus, a respiratory disability, and bilateral hearing loss. The issues of service connection are being remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disability and bilateral hearing loss due to new evidence received since previous decisions. The claims are being reviewed again as they may be substantiated.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for the left shoulder condition, bilateral hearing loss, pulmonary problems (claimed as COPD), cognitive disorder, and headaches. The appeal for PTSD was also withdrawn in its entirety.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is granted as service-connected.,His chloracne behind the ears, presumed due to herbicide exposure in Vietnam, is also granted as service-connected.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development and consideration, including service connection claims for sinusitis, rheumatoid arthritis, bilateral hearing loss, hypertension, low back disability, radiculopathy of the lower extremities, and an increased rating for a low back disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is a result of noise exposure during service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully and fairly consider the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, a back disability, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The Veteran will be provided with further examinations and records are sought.