Hearing loss decisions — 2020

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection and increased ratings for various disabilities, including left ankle disorder, cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability, hypertension, right wrist disability, left-hand disability, stress fracture of the mid right anterior tibia with traumatic arthritis, right proximal dorsal foot, left mastoidectomy with tympanoplasty, hemorrhoids, bilateral hearing loss, and radiculopathy of the lower extremities.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss prior to January 20, 2020 is denied. For the period from January 20, 2020 onwards, a rating in excess of 40 percent is also denied.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's claims file will be reviewed by a qualified examiner to determine if his bilateral hearing loss is related to service.

The Veteran's appeal for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and service connection for major depressive disorder is remanded due to deficiencies in the August 2019 VA medical opinion.

The Board has granted service connection for right and left total knee replacements, as well as bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's knee issues are attributed to active service, while his hearing loss is presumed due to service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied as there is no evidence of entitlement prior to June 13, 2019.,TDIU benefits were granted effective June 28, 2017, based on the date the Veteran filed his claim. The effective date for Dependents' Educational Assistance was also set at this time.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and a headache disorder, finding that there is no medical evidence linking these conditions to service. The Veteran's assertions of in-service injuries were not supported by the available medical records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of regular aid and attendance, warranting special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss prior to April 25, 2020 is being remanded due to the AOJ not considering a May 2019 VA examination report.

The Board has determined that the reduction in rating for service-connected degenerative disc disease and spondylosis to 20 percent effective November 1, 2019 is improper. The Veteran's 40 percent rating is restored. Additionally, the Board has remanded the issues of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Veteran's appeals have been dismissed as he has withdrawn his appeal through his authorized representative.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, right ear hearing loss, left ear hearing loss, and sleep apnea were denied. The claim for service connection for a right knee disorder (including arthritis) was denied. The claim for service connection for a left knee disorder (status post left knee replacement) was denied. Service connection for hypertension due to in-service herbicide exposure is remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to a lack of compliance with prior remand directives and the need for further examination.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to noise exposure during his active duty service.

The case is remanded due to the need for clarification on audiometry testing results and additional VA treatment records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted. The Board finds that the evidence is in equipoise, resolving all doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability, finding that it is more likely than not related to his in-service hazardous noise exposure and acoustic trauma.

The Board denied service connection for hearing loss of the left ear as there is no evidence that the Veteran has a current disability meeting VA criteria.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for left ear hearing loss was denied because he failed to report to a scheduled VA examination, and the Board found that there was no good cause for his absence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and a back disorder due to inadequate opinions regarding their etiology. The case will be returned for further development.