Hearing loss decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to January 16, 2012 was denied as he had maintained full-time employment and earned more than the poverty threshold during that period.

The Board has remanded the case due to deficiencies in the VA hearing loss examination and the need for an addendum opinion addressing additional evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not meet the criteria for a compensable initial disability rating, as audiometric evaluations consistently show Level I or Level II hearing loss in both ears.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that it had its onset during active service and is related to noise exposure in his military role.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated as noncompensable prior to December 18, 2017; compensable from December 18, 2017; and at 10 percent from October 24, 2019. The appeal for higher ratings is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective July 23, 2012. The effective date for service connection of left ear hearing loss remains July 15, 2010.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and a bilateral foot disability due to incomplete examination reports and new theories of entitlement.

The Board has granted a TDIU as of July 1, 2019 due to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities (PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus) making it impossible for him to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, eczema (skin condition), erectile dysfunction, a back disability, and an acquired psychiatric disorder were denied as the evidence did not establish a nexus to service.,Service connection was granted for an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear hearing loss, finding that it is related to the Veteran's military service.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including malignant melanoma, lymphoma, tinnitus, obesity, diabetes mellitus, erectile dysfunction, bilateral hearing loss disability, peripheral neuropathy of the left and right feet, ischemic heart disease, hypertension, and sleep apnea have all been denied. The denial is based on a lack of evidence linking these conditions to service or any other relevant factor.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, hyperacusis, electrical brain pain, neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities, and neck pain are all remanded due to insufficient evidence or lack of proper examination.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that there is no evidence of a nexus between his current hearing loss and his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been granted. The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea is being remanded.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable, and the Board finds that a compensable rating is not warranted.,Service connection for diabetes mellitus type II cannot be established as secondary to in-service herbicide exposure due to insufficient evidence of such exposure.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate consideration of all in-service noise exposures, including exposure to gun fire, explosions, and jet engines. The Veteran's hearing loss is being reviewed again for a new opinion.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss has been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his claim before a decision was made.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated at 10 percent, effective October 18, 2019. The Board denied an initial compensable rating prior to that date and a rating in excess of 10 percent thereafter.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including back disability, sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, pulmonary disability (including asthma and/or COPD), bilateral hearing loss, left knee disability, and right knee disability. The claims were remanded for further development.