Hearing loss decisions — 2020

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been reopened due to new and material evidence.,However, the claims are denied as there is no competent evidence showing a current disability or its onset in service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated at the maximum schedular rating of 20 percent.,Tinnitus has been assigned the maximum schedular rating of 10 percent.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is not related to his active service, as there was no evidence of a hearing disability during service or within one year after separation. The VA examiner concluded that the Veteran’s hearing loss was less likely caused by in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and evaluations. The issues of entitlement to specially adapted housing and a special home adaptation grant are inextricably intertwined with his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was initially evaluated at 20 percent prior to October 7, 2015 and at 40 percent thereafter. The Board denied higher ratings for the disability.,No effective date is provided as the decision pertains to a denial of increased ratings.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, left and right foot hammer toes, a skin condition (warts removed from both hands), and an ovarian cyst are all denied. The claim for service connection of the skin condition is granted as it was pre-existing and resolved following menopause.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his cervical spine disability and peripheral neuropathy of all extremities, rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment prior to April 23, 2008.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has been rated at 10 percent since April 21, 2016. The Board found that the audiometric results did not meet criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated as 30 percent disabling. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating, as his hearing impairment does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating under VA’s tables for rating hearing loss disabilities.

The Board has denied service connection for right ear hearing loss but remanded the issue of left ear hearing loss. The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is found to be not related to his military service, while the left ear hearing loss requires further examination and opinion.

The Board denied entitlement to Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) on the basis of service connection for the cause of the Veteran’s death due to septic shock resulting from acute respiratory failure, healthcare-associated pneumonia, and systolic heart failure. The Board found that there was no evidence linking a service-connected disability to the Veteran's death.

The Board has remanded the issues of entitlement to higher schedular evaluations for bilateral hearing loss and total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to inextricably intertwined issues. The case is also remanded for an examination to determine whether the Veteran has a diagnosis of vertigo, which may be related to his service-connected bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has decided to remand the claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability due to deficiencies in the VA audiology opinions. The Veteran's lay statements regarding in-service noise exposure have not been considered, and a new medical opinion is needed.

The claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for a VA audiology examination and updated treatment records.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that both conditions are at least as likely as not related to his military service due to noise exposure.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate VA examinations and the need for further clarification of the Veteran's hearing loss diagnosis. The Veteran will be provided with another VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his bilateral hearing loss disability, taking into account his lay statements.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral chronic otitis media, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus due to a lack of current diagnosis of these conditions during the pendency of his claim. The appeal is dismissed.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left shoulder disability, residual scars of the left shoulder, and bilateral hearing loss. The evidence did not support a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is related to his active military service, granting entitlement to service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current disabilities were incurred during his military service.