Hearing loss decisions — 2019

The appeal for service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus is dismissed due to the appellant's death.

The ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities and PTSD have been reduced, but are being restored due to lack of evidence showing improvement. The Veteran's hearing loss claim is remanded for additional etiological opinion. Increased evaluations for both conditions and PTSD are also remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and right knee disability due to a lack of VA examination in connection with these claims.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus due to potential new evidence received since the last VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a left ear hearing loss disability has been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The case is now remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied because he does not have a current disability as defined by VA regulations. The claim for service connection for tinnitus is granted, with the Board finding that the Veteran has credible reports of continuous symptoms since service and currently diagnosed tinnitus.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss has been rated as noncompensable throughout the appeal period, and the Board finds that a compensable rating is not warranted.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss and sleep apnea due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran needs to undergo new VA examinations to determine if he has these conditions and their etiology.

The Veteran's hearing loss is found to be related to his active service, and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to November 22, 2013 for the award of service connection for left ear hearing loss is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been denied as his current auditory thresholds do not constitute a disability. The Board finds that the criteria for service connection have not been met.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for a pulmonary disability, eczema, athlete’s foot, and ingrown toenails of the great toes, and scars from moles removal are remanded as there is insufficient evidence to make a determination on these issues.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been dismissed due to the death of the appellant, who was substituted as the claimant.

The Veteran's basic eligibility for VA non-service-connected pension benefits is denied due to not meeting the service requirement. The claim of entitlement to a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is remanded as there are insufficient records for evaluation.

The Veteran's appeal has been remanded due to a request to participate in the RAMP program. The issues of service connection and evaluation for various conditions are being reconsidered.

The Veteran's right hand injury, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus are granted service connection. The sinus condition and schizophrenia issues have been remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection, including a VA examination and opinion regarding his hearing loss, high arches, back disorder, neck disorder, and right leg disorder.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted, and the claim of entitlement to an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss disability is denied. The claims for service connection for lumbar spine disorder and left foot drop are denied, while the claim for service connection for skin disorder other than tinea corporis is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability has been reopened and is granted.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for right ear hearing loss has been reopened and is granted.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus has been reopened and is granted.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral vision loss disability, including retinal drusen and glaucoma suspect. The Veteran's current diagnoses do not meet the criteria for a compensable disability.,Service connection was also denied for bilateral hearing loss disability in the right ear. The evidence did not support aggravation of pre-existing hearing loss during service.

The Board has found the VA examiner's opinion inadequate for adjudicating the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss service connection claim. The case is therefore remanded to obtain a new etiology opinion from a different VA examiner.