Hearing loss decisions — 2020

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus) rendered him unemployable, leading to a grant of Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU).

The appeals for service connection of various disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, are dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

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

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of investigation into whether the Veteran's additional ear-related symptoms are compensable under relevant statutes or regulations. The Veteran is requested to identify and secure any relevant private medical records, and an appropriate VA examination will be scheduled.

The Veteran's initial ratings for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and herpes simplex type II were denied as they did not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating.,For both conditions, the evidence showed that the disabilities manifested in levels of impairment that warranted non-compensable (0 percent) ratings.

The Veteran's coronary artery disease and ischemic cardiomyopathy are granted as service connected due to herbicide exposure. The claims for hypertension, right arm scar, and right ear hearing loss are remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is not related to his service, and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has been rated at 50% since prior to May 12, 2012 and denied for higher ratings.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss due to incomplete audiometry records and procedural issues.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that his current condition is related to in-service noise exposure and granting him the benefit of the doubt.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that there was no evidence of a chronic disability during service or at any time within the applicable presumptive period. The Board also found that the current diagnosis of bilateral hearing loss is not related to an in-service injury or disease.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to incomplete service records and need for further clarification regarding the etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD. The VA examiner will be asked to address whether any diagnosed conditions are related to active duty service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable, as he was able to maintain full-time employment in law enforcement until his retirement. The Board found that the most probative evidence does not support a finding of unemployability due to his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's hearing loss disability is currently rated at 30 percent, and he contends it warrants a higher rating due to recent worsening. The Board has found the RO substantially complied with its remand directives but finds additional development necessary for an updated examination.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to in-service acoustic trauma. The decision resolves reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss has been rated at 0 percent, which is the lowest possible rating. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there was no evidence of in-service noise exposure or a nexus to service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection for bilateral hearing loss before the Board could make a decision.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied, and her claim for service connection for a neck disorder is remanded.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's hip, back, and neurological disabilities, as well as his acquired psychiatric and insomnia conditions. These issues are being returned for further development.