Hearing loss decisions — 2020

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is related to his in-service noise exposure and/or service-connected mesothelioma, including chemotherapy treatment for that condition.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied. The Veteran had a disability rating of 0 percent prior to January 15, 2020 and 40 percent as of that date.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for bilateral cataracts is denied as the evidence does not show that the disability began prior to April 10, 2012.,The claims of entitlement to service connection for residuals of a left rib injury and bilateral hearing loss have been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The appeals are granted to this extent only.

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 current disability or in-service noise exposure sufficient to establish service connection.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating for service-connected bilateral hearing loss was denied as his hearing loss did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation under VA rating criteria.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms prior to March 7, 2016 did not meet the criteria for a 100% rating due to insufficient occupational and social impairment.,The Veteran’s lumbar arthritis has not resulted in unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability did not manifest during active service or within one year following separation from service and is not shown to have developed as a result of an established event, injury, or disease during active service. Therefore, the claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss must be denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for right ear hearing loss and gastrointestinal disability due to incomplete examination reports. The Veteran is currently rated as 100% disabled for PTSD, but there are no reductions in her compensation benefits.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to insufficient evidence in the May 2014 VA examiner's opinion. The case is now back with the AOJ for a new etiology opinion.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development and examination regarding his claimed disabilities.

The Veteran's hearing loss is being remanded for further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and arranging an examination by an ENT specialist to determine the etiology of his hearing loss.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to the passage of time and his report of worsening.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to in-service hazardous noise exposure.

The Board has denied service connection for right ear hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the evidence does not support a nexus to service or aggravation of pre-existing conditions.

The Board has granted the Veteran's request to reopen his service connection claim for bilateral hearing loss and has determined that he currently has a disability related to noise exposure during active military service. The claim is now considered substantiated.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been reopened, and the Board finds that there is sufficient evidence to grant these claims. The Veteran has current diagnoses of tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss, which are related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the claims for a cervical spine disability, right foot disability, left foot disability, bilateral hearing loss disability, and an acquired psychiatric disability due to inadequate examinations.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, acquired psychiatric disorder (secondary to service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus), obstructive sleep apnea, and TDIU due to outstanding VA treatment records.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated at 30 percent since February 6, 2016. The Board denied his request for a higher rating and TDIU based on the current evidence of record.

The Board has determined that additional attempts should be made to obtain the Veteran's service treatment records, as they are crucial for determining his eligibility for service connection. The appeal is remanded in order to address these missing records.