Hearing loss decisions — 2020

The Veteran's service-connected other specified trauma and stressor-related disorder is granted. The Board also finds that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was not incurred in or aggravated by his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss was aggravated by his active service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss must be remanded to obtain additional VA treatment records, specifically an audiometric test result from August 2019.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as the surgery received at CHSMC was not preauthorized for VA payment and is not shown to have been rendered in a medical emergency.

The Board has remanded the case due to inconsistencies in the medical opinions and a need for further examination. The Veteran's hearing loss is currently diagnosed, but its etiology remains unclear.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, chronic lumbar spine disorder, chronic cervical spine disorder, and chronic knee disorders due to lack of evidence showing a link between these conditions and the Veteran's active service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is granted as of June 25, 2019. The Board has remanded the issues regarding left knee and ankle disabilities due to incomplete service personnel records and a need for additional medical examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is related to his in-service noise exposure. The VA must obtain an addendum opinion addressing studies cited by the Veteran's representative.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is rated at 0 percent, the lowest possible rating. The Veteran's tinnitus has also been rated at 10 percent, the maximum schedular rating.,Service connection for right hip scars was granted effective October 19, 2011, but the Veteran contends he should have received an earlier effective date.

The Board has determined that the combined evaluation of 60 percent from March 8, 2012 to November 18, 2015; and 80 percent from November 19, 2015 is correctly calculated based on the service-connected disability evaluations in effect at that time. The appeal for a higher combined evaluation is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and dental disabilities due to additional evidence being added to the record. The Veteran is requested to provide releases for any relevant treatment records, and a VA audiologist and dental examiner will be consulted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that there was no evidence of chronic hearing loss in service or within a presumptive period after service. The Board also found that the Veteran's current hearing loss disability is not at least as likely as not related to noise exposure during service.

The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings for bilateral hearing loss, RLE peripheral neuropathy prior to September 6, 2016, and LLE peripheral neuropathy prior to September 6, 2016 have been withdrawn. The Board has dismissed these claims.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus as they are not related to active service.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for right ear hearing loss and tinnitus due to a lack of proper notice and scheduling for a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeals for bilateral hearing loss and an acquired psychiatric disorder have been dismissed due to their death.

The Veteran's claims for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss have been granted. The claim for an intestinal disorder (IBS and diverticulitis) and bilateral pes planus has been remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinion regarding the Veteran's hearing loss claim. The case will be returned for further development and consideration.

The Veteran's back disability is not related to service, and the appeal for this condition is denied.,The Veteran's asthma was not caused or aggravated by service, and the appeal for this condition is denied.,Resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran, his bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are considered to have had their onset during active duty service, and he is granted service connection for these conditions.,A right knee/leg disability is not related to service, and the appeal for this condition is denied.