Hearing loss decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claim for bilateral hearing loss is denied as there is no evidence of current hearing loss disability.,The Veteran's tinnitus is currently rated at the maximum schedular rating (10%) and a higher initial rating is not warranted under VA regulations.

The Veteran's appeal seeking service connection for left ear hearing loss and vertigo was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claims, as there is no current diagnosis of either condition.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was not received to reopen service connection for bilateral hearing loss. Service connection is granted for tinnitus, but denied for peripheral artery disease in the right lower extremity, hypertension, peripheral neuropathy in the right upper and left upper extremities, kidney disorder (chronic kidney disease), and bilateral cataracts.

The Board denied the Veteran's application to reopen his claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss as new and material evidence was not received, and the claim is final.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss and a left knee disability were denied. The Board found no evidence of a hearing loss disability in either ear, thus denying service connection for bilateral hearing loss. For the left knee disability, the Board noted that while the Veteran reported pain and stiffness, his range of motion was not limited to less than 30 degrees, which is required for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is related to his in-service exposure to acoustic trauma from operating heavy machinery, and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination and missing service records. The Veteran's hearing loss is being reviewed again with a new VA examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for pes planus, hallux valgus, bilateral hearing loss disability, tinnitus, and pseudofolliculitis barbae due to new arguments and errors in previous decisions. The claims are being remanded for further development and consideration.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was not shown in service or within the first post-service year. The VA examiner found that his current bilateral hearing loss is less likely related to service exposure and more likely due to presbycusis, an age-related change. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was incurred during active duty service, and the Board granted his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is granted as it was incurred in service. The squamous cell carcinoma issue is remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's conditions are at least as likely as not related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss disability is currently rated as noncompensable. The VA has determined that the Veteran’s hearing impairment does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating based on his audiometric test results.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability, as there is conflicting evidence and new information from a study submitted by his representative.

The Board denied service connection for a lower back condition and bilateral hearing loss, finding that the conditions did not manifest in service or within a presumptive period and were not related to service.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for accrued benefits in excess of $245.00 due to insufficient evidence provided regarding additional expenses incurred during the Veteran's last sickness and burial.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to concerns about the adequacy of his most recent VA examination, which was conducted over three years ago.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of a VA examination for determining the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is related to acoustic trauma he experienced during his active duty service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected left ear hearing loss is rated as noncompensable, with his nonservice-connected right ear also rated as Level I hearing impairment. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for the left ear hearing loss.