Hearing loss decisions — 2020

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. The nerve damage, arthritis of the cervical spine, and arthritis of the shoulders claims are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for an increased initial evaluation in excess of 70 percent for PTSD was denied. The Board found that the Veteran’s symptoms met the criteria associated with a 70 percent disability rating, but did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

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

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left ear hearing loss disability and a compensable rating for his right ear hearing loss disability, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability for VA purposes.

The application to reopen the claim of service connection for back disability was denied, and the Veteran's TDIU claim was also denied due to his service-connected disabilities not meeting the percentage requirements.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's right ear hearing loss is related to his military service.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected, but his otitis media and hearing loss are denied.,The Board has remanded the claim for residuals of bilateral mastoidectomies with residual right ear hearing loss (claimed as bilateral hearing loss) due to insufficient information in a previous VA examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial compensable disability rating for service-connected bilateral hearing loss, finding that the most competent and probative evidence of record established that his service-connected bilateral hearing loss was no worse than a Level I in both ears.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for service-connected bilateral hearing loss is denied as his hearing acuity did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under VA's disability evaluation guidelines.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinion and need for additional audiometric testing. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is being reviewed again as it may be related to in-service noise exposure.

The Board has remanded the case due to non-compliance with prior instructions and a need for further development, including obtaining a supplemental VA opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has granted service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his exposure to hazardous noise during active duty training (ACDUTRA) and inactive duty training (INACDUTRA).

The Veteran's tension headaches have not resulted in characteristic prostrating attacks, and thus do not warrant a compensable rating.,Bilateral hearing loss was not shown within one year of separation from service, and the preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that it is related to service. The Board has remanded this issue for further development.,The Veteran's pulmonary sarcoidosis is not linked to her active service or any service-connected disability.

The Veteran's service connection for bilateral hearing loss is granted. Ratings of 20 percent are granted for post-operative hallux valgus of the right foot and left foot, subject to legal authority governing payment of compensation.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to the need for updated VA examination and treatment records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that he does not have a current disability for VA ratings purposes.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, both of which are found to be related to military service. The decision also grants secondary service connection for tinnitus as a result of the Veteran's now service-connected bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's application to reopen his claim for service connection for a back disability status post laminectomies L4-5 and S-1 was denied. His claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is granted, but the case is remanded for further action on residuals of cold weather injury.

The Board denied service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the preponderance of evidence is against a link to active service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection and rating increases for his right elbow disability, right ankle disability, bilateral hearing loss, and limitations of flexion and extension. The appeals were not about service connection at all.