Hearing loss decisions — 2019

The Veteran's most recent VA examination was conducted in April 2014, and his hearing impairment level I was shown in both ears. The Board finds a remand is warranted due to the possibility of worsening since then, as he has been issued hearing aids by the Northport VAMC. Updated VA treatment records should be obtained and the Veteran should be scheduled for a new VA audiology examination.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's claims for tinnitus, left ankle disorder, and right ankle disorder are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied, and his claim for a TDIU prior to August 16, 2016, was also denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating or TDIU based on service-connected disabilities alone.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, cervical spine strain, right wrist strain, left knee disability, left ankle disability, and traumatic brain injury (TBI) as well as his claim for a TDIU prior to August 13, 2015.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical evidence regarding whether the Veteran's sensitivity to noise and associated pain are part of a separate disability or symptoms of his service-connected hearing loss. The Veteran will need to undergo a supplemental examination.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is being remanded for a new VA examination to determine the current severity of his condition.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether these conditions are related to the Veteran's active service.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current tinnitus is related to his in-service noise exposure. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied as there was no evidence of a nexus between the Veteran's current hearing loss and military service.

The Veteran's appeals have been dismissed due to his death. The Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of these claims as he died during their pendency.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is granted and rated at the maximum schedular rating of 10%.,The Veteran's chronic right hand strain status post 5th digit metacarpal fracture is granted but not assigned a compensable rating due to lack of limitation of motion or ankylosis.,Tinnitus remains at the minimum schedular rating of 10%. The Veteran does not meet criteria for higher ratings under Diagnostic Code 6260.,The effective date for service connection of chronic right hand strain status post 5th digit metacarpal fracture is granted but denied, as it predates September 11, 2013.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to his in-service loud noise exposure. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied as there was no evidence of a nexus between the current disability and service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss, lumbar spine (lower back), left knee, and right knee disabilities have been granted. The appeal is remanded for further development regarding the lower back and knee issues.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as new and material evidence was not submitted to reopen the previously denied claims.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for nonservice-connected pension with aid and attendance benefits is denied as there was no intent to apply for such benefits prior to July 1, 2016.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is granted as service connected. However, the Veteran's hypertension cannot be linked to his military service and thus is denied.

The Veteran's loan guaranty eligibility is remanded due to incomplete service records and the need for a determination on whether his hearing loss is service-connected.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted as service-connected. The Board found that the current diagnoses, in-service noise exposure, and continuity of symptoms since service meet the criteria for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not service-connected, but it has also found in favor of granting service connection for tinnitus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left ear hearing loss and tinnitus are related to service, granting service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to have had its onset during service and has persisted since then, granting service connection.,Service connection for the left knee disorder, right knee disorder, and lumbar spine disorder secondary to bilateral knee disorders is remanded due to insufficient medical evidence.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is remanded as there are no current audiometric findings that meet VA criteria for a disability. The Veteran's representative indicated possible worsening of his condition since the last examination in 2011.,Service connection for peritoneal adhesions is remanded due to insufficient medical evidence, including lack of records from the private debridement surgery performed in 2002.,Service connection for a psychiatric disorder is remanded as there are no current diagnoses or sufficient medical evidence linking service to the Veteran's claimed conditions.