Hearing loss decisions — 2020

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss, including considering noise exposure during service and post-service work environments.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is currently rated at 0 percent, and the Board has determined that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to inadequate examination and lack of consideration of the Veteran's lay statements regarding in-service acoustic trauma.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is rated at zero percent, as the medical evidence does not show a compensable level of disability.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the current disabilities were not incurred in or aggravated by military service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for right ear sensorineural hearing loss, finding that there is no evidence of a current disability and that any hearing loss found in service was not related to service.

Your service connection claims for left ear hearing loss, right knee disability, and left knee disability have all been granted. The Board has dismissed the appeal as there are no issues remaining for appellate jurisdiction.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development, including obtaining an addendum opinion from an otolaryngologist to address the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability and considering the Veteran's assertions regarding in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left ear hearing loss disability is granted. The initial rating for right ear hearing loss is denied, and the current 50 percent rating for sleep apnea with asthma is maintained.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination reports and a need for new VA examinations. The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is being reviewed again with an otolaryngologist.

Your claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, erectile dysfunction, and compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for chevron osteotomy left foot have all been granted in full.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of compliance with prior remand directives and the need for a TDIU opinion. The Veteran is required to complete VA Form 21-8940, and any outstanding treatment records should be secured.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not render him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment, as his hearing loss, tinnitus, and Meniere’s disease did not prevent him from working as an attorney.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral hearing loss disability, back disability, and psychiatric disabilities have been granted. The Veteran is now rated at 20% for his right ankle disability.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and right knee disability due to inadequate medical opinions and lack of evidence addressing the Veteran's exposure to noise during service.

The Veteran's hearing loss disability was found to be at a level of 10 percent prior to April 1, 2020 and in excess of 10 percent thereafter. The Board denied the claim for higher ratings.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for residuals of a right ear cyst and right ear hearing loss due to inconsistencies in the Veteran's audiogram results. The claims will be reviewed again with consideration of new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development regarding the Veteran's service connection claim for bilateral hearing loss, including verification of his Reserve service periods and an addendum VA medical opinion.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding no evidence linking it to the Veteran's military service or a service-connected condition. The claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss prior to January 7, 2011 was granted.

The Board denied service connection for hearing loss of the right ear, bilateral knee disorder, and low back disorder due to lack of evidence showing a nexus between these conditions and military service.