Hearing loss decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been reopened. The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of his bilateral hearing loss, as well as whether it is related to service. His claim for service connection for tinnitus remains granted.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for a current audiological examination since it has been more than four years since the last one.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and an upper respiratory disability, including rhinitis or sinusitis, due to incomplete information and need for further examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for accrued benefits and non-service connected death pension due to issues being inextricably intertwined with other pending claims.

The Board dismissed the appeal for service connection for skin cancer due to radiation exposure and herbicide agents as the Veteran withdrew his request. The other issues are remanded.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his condition.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a kidney disorder and skin disorder has been dismissed.,Service connection is granted for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, particularly his PTSD, prevent him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU based on the severity of these conditions.

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

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inconsistencies in the Veteran's testimony regarding his left ear condition and its onset. The Veteran is seeking service connection for tinnitus on a direct basis, but the evidence does not support a finding of a nexus between his service and tinnitus.

The Veteran's application to reopen the claim for service connection for a back condition is granted. The Board finds that there has been evidence submitted which reasonably raises the possibility of substantiating the claim, and thus the claim is reopened. Service connection for a back condition is also granted.

The Board has determined that the May 2015 rating decision severing service connection for right ear hearing loss is not final, and thus remands the case to determine if new and material evidence was submitted. The main issue on appeal remains whether the Veteran should have had his service connection for right ear hearing loss reinstated.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and initial compensable disability rating for a bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are being remanded due to the submission of new evidence that relates to the current disability element.,The Veteran's service connection claim for left knee disability is being remanded as there is new evidence suggesting a relationship between her in-service miscarriage and residuals, and her current condition.,The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral plantar fasciitis are being remanded due to her in-service running activities which may have contributed to the development of her current foot conditions.,The Veteran's service connection claim for patellofemoral syndrome of the right knee is being remanded as there is new evidence suggesting a relationship between her in-service running activities and her current condition.,The Veteran's service connection claims for lumbar strain are being remanded due to the submission of new evidence that relates to the nexus element.

The Veteran's service connection claim for hearing loss in the right ear is denied as he does not have a current disability. The Veteran's appeal regarding his rating for residuals of a right foot fracture is remanded due to inadequate examination.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that there is no evidence of a current disability and that any potential noise exposure during service did not result in a compensable degree of hearing loss within one year post-service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current right ear hearing loss disability for VA compensation purposes, and therefore denied his claim of service connection.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted as service-connected due to in-service noise trauma.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, lumbar spine disability, and PTSD have been granted. The Veteran was exposed to loud noise during service which led to current disabilities of bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. Service connection is also granted for a lumbar spine disability due to in-service injury and for PTSD based on credible reports of witnessing the death of a shipmate.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted as service-connected, with the presumption of soundness at entry into service.,Service connection is established for left knee arthritis and right shoulder rotator cuff tear and arthritis due to in-service noise exposure.