Hearing loss decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been granted. The Board found that the Veteran had noise exposure during service, which is sufficient to establish a direct link between his current conditions and service.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral hearing loss was denied as his audiometric test results did not meet the criteria for exceptional patterns of hearing impairment, and he did not have other related factors such as marked interference with employment or frequent periods of hospitalization.

The Veteran's radiculopathy of bilateral upper extremities has been granted, with a rating of 30 percent. The other conditions and issues have either not met the criteria for higher ratings or were denied.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an increased rating of 10 percent or more for bilateral hearing loss from June 27, 2016. The Board dismissed the appeal as a result.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's claims for service connection, including diabetes, heart disorder, lower back condition, peripheral neuropathy of upper and lower extremities, hearing loss, tinnitus, GERD, and service connection. The issues are inextricably intertwined due to their interrelated nature.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since January 2012, thus meeting the criteria for TDIU.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for neuroendocrine cancer, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus due to incomplete records and need for additional examination.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been evaluated as noncompensable prior to June 12, 2009, and a 10 percent evaluation thereafter. The Board denied entitlement to TDIU due to the lack of meeting schedular requirements for a TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and examination, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a psychiatric examination to determine the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for chronic lumbar strain, radiculopathy of the lower extremities, and bilateral hearing loss due to a lack of recent VA examinations. The TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate compliance with previous remand directives regarding the issue of service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's claim will be reviewed by a different VA audiologist or examiner.

The Board has remanded the claims of bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to a lack of valid audiometric results from VA examinations, and the need for an addendum opinion that reconciles the September 2015 private audiogram with the January 2018 VA examination.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that it was not shown in service or for many years thereafter and is not related to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bronchitis has been withdrawn. The claim for bilateral hearing loss is granted.

The Board has decided that service connection for tinnitus is granted, but the claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has determined that additional development is required due to procedural errors and the need for a new examination. The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are being remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's exposure to noise during his time in service is at least in equipoise with his assertions of such exposure.

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

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

The Board has remanded several issues for further development, including service connection claims and a higher rating claim. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, pes planus, shin splints, left elbow disability, and bilateral hearing loss are all under review.