Hearing loss decisions — 2020

For the period prior to January 27, 2015, the Veteran's service-connected conditions did not preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.,From January 27, 2015, the Veteran has a combined disability rating of 100 percent due to his service-connected conditions. The issue of TDIU is moot as he already meets the criteria for a 100% schedular rating.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for initial compensable ratings for cholecystectomy and right upper and mid quadrant scars, as well as service connection for diabetes, diabetic neuropathy of the bilateral lower and upper extremities, sickle cell anemia, hypertension, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a prostate condition. The claims are dismissed.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated at a 20 percent rating since June 16, 2016. Prior to that date, the Veteran did not meet the criteria for an initial compensable rating.

The Veteran's initial claim for a compensable rating for left ear hearing loss was denied, and his claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral hearing loss since June 7, 2017 was also denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the onset of hearing loss and tinnitus during service.

The Veteran's fungal otitis externa was granted service connection, and his hearing loss rating was increased to 50% effective January 31, 2020. The pre-existing hearing loss condition remains noncompensable prior to that date.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated at 10 percent, which is the maximum rating available under VA regulations.,PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since October 18, 2010. The Veteran seeks a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied due to lack of new and material evidence. The rating for anxiety disorder, not otherwise specified, is granted from March 20, 2013, with a 50% disability rating. The rating for tinnitus remains at 10%. TDIU is remanded.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and sleep apnea, but has remanded them for further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that there was no evidence linking her current hearing loss to her military service or any service-connected condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for anemia was denied as there is no evidence of a current disability, and the Board finds that the Veteran does not have left upper extremity radiculopathy.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, sleep apnea, allergic rhinitis, exercise-induced asthma, and back disorder were remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to insufficient evidence and incomplete evaluations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and frostbite damage to both feet have been reopened. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, right knee disorder, left knee disorder, and low back disorder have been granted. The rating assigned is 0% (no disability compensation).

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for hearing loss and an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that there was no evidence of a disease or injury incurred in line of duty during active duty for training (ACDUTRA) in the National Guard.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for endometriosis, residuals of a hysterectomy, and related conditions due to exposure to Camp LeJeune Contaminated Water. The claims are remanded for further development including obtaining medical opinions regarding hearing loss and hypothyroidism.

The Board dismissed the appeal for service connection and increased ratings due to the appellant's withdrawal of the appeal prior to a decision.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral pes planus, right ear hearing loss, left ear hearing loss, and a left hip disorder were denied. The claim for tinnitus was granted.,Service connection for the Veteran’s right hip disorder, left knee disorder, and right shoulder disorder was not established.

The Veteran's initial compensable evaluations for hypertension and hepatitis A have been denied. The claims for service connection of bilateral hearing loss, low back disability, left knee disability, and left hammer toe are remanded due to the need for additional records and medical opinions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is related to his service and grants entitlement to service connection for this condition.