Hearing loss decisions — 2020

The Veteran's appeal for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied, and the case is remanded for further development regarding service connection for a neck disability.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss was denied as his hearing loss did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for his bilateral hearing loss was denied as the evidence did not show that his hearing acuity was worse than Level II in either ear.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected. The VA has remanded the issues of entitlement to a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, service connection for lung cancer, and service connection for prostate cancer.

The appeal for service connection and increased ratings for various conditions is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and evaluations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied in a final November 2012 rating decision. The Board has reopened the claim due to new and material evidence, but the issue of service connection remains remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable, with a numeric designation of Level I in both ears. The Board found the evidence insufficient to warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's service connection claims for diabetes mellitus, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss have been granted. The Board found that the Veteran was exposed to herbicide agents during his time at U-Tapao RTAFB in Thailand, which is considered a burn pit exposure basis.

The Veteran's left arm neuropathy and left ear hearing loss have been granted as secondary to his service-connected hypertension.,However, the Veteran's increased disability rating for hypertension has been denied.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development and consideration, including service connection claims for various hand, finger, wrist, and ear disabilities. The TDIU claim is also being remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, TB with residuals, and GERD due to conflicting opinions from VA audiologists, a negative opinion on part of the January 2020 VA examiner regarding TB, and an inadequate nexus opinion on part of the October 2019 VA examiner regarding GERD.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding VA treatment records and a need for an addendum opinion to reconcile diagnoses.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the impact of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities on his ability to work. The claim is being referred for extraschedular consideration.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to a need for additional medical records and examinations. The Veteran is seeking service connection for various disabilities, including cervical spine, right shoulder, right eye, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, and peripheral neuropathy of the lower and upper extremities are being remanded due to insufficient evidence.,Additional medical opinions are needed to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and PTSD have been denied. For the period prior to August 17, 2017, a noncompensable rating is granted for bilateral hearing loss. For the period from August 17, 2017 through the present, a 10 percent rating is granted for bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's PTSD is rated as 30 percent prior to October 3, 2019 and 50 percent from that date forward.

The Board has remanded the case due to inconsistencies in the Veteran's hearing test results and the need for further examination to determine if he currently suffers from bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's petition to reopen claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus was granted. The Board found new and material evidence supporting the reopening of these claims.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to incomplete compliance with previous remands. Specifically, an addendum opinion is required regarding the etiology of bilateral hearing loss and whether a preexisting right knee condition was permanently aggravated during service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to inadequate opinions in his June 2015 VA examination. The examiner must provide new opinions addressing whether these conditions are related to service, with consideration of the Veteran's lay statements and article on causes of hearing loss.