Hearing loss decisions — 2020

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current hearing loss or rhinitis for VA purposes and therefore denied service connection for these conditions. The issue of an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for rhinitis is also denied. Dermatitis and urticaria are found to be related, with the examiner's opinion needed on whether urticaria is proximately due to or aggravated by dermatitis. TDIU is remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the increased rating claim.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was rated at a 10 percent evaluation from March 24, 2010 to December 3, 2012. The Board found that the evidence did not warrant a higher rating for this period and denied any compensable rating thereafter.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings and individual unemployability was denied. For the PTSD, a rating in excess of 30 percent prior to September 30, 2019 and in excess of 70 percent effective September 30, 2019 is not warranted based on his symptoms. For IU, the Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petitions to reopen his claims for service connection of bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine. The cases are being remanded for further development.

The Board has decided to remand the claims of service connection for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss due to insufficient rationale in the VA examination report. The Veteran's lay statements, including his service in an infantry unit and reports of ringing in the ears, are considered.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased evaluation for ischemic heart disease prior to March 24, 2016 was denied. The Board found that the preponderance of evidence did not show a METs level less than 7-10.,For the period beginning March 24, 2016, the Veteran's entitlement to a TDIU was granted due to his ischemic heart disease.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left ear hearing loss, right ear hearing loss, and PTSD have been denied. The cervical spine disability claim is being remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, an acquired psychiatric disorder, a back disability of the lumbar or thoracic spine, and bilateral glaucoma due to new evidence and further development being required.

The Veteran's appeals for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus. The cases of bilateral hearing loss, an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD), a low back disability, and a lung disability are remanded due to incomplete records.

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

The Veteran's petition to reopen his claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and vertigo was granted. The Veteran's claim of service connection for vertigo is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a medical opinion.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hearing loss and tinnitus due to inconsistencies in the audiometric results provided during the August 2019 examination. The examiner is requested to provide an addendum opinion regarding whether these conditions are related to service, including noise exposure.

The Board has withdrawn the Veteran's appeals for diabetes mellitus, hallux rigidus of the left foot, tinnitus, and non-service-connected pension. The claims for bilateral hearing loss, tendonitis right hand, tendonitis left hand, and a right leg disability are being remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to determine if the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is related to service. The decision on tinnitus remains denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 30%, and service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus is granted. The Board found the evidence in equipoise as to whether these conditions are related to military service.

The Board has withdrawn the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and increased ratings, but has remanded cases regarding his bilateral hearing loss and acute myeloid leukemia.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and lumbar spine disability due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran needs a new VA examination for his hearing loss, and an addendum opinion is needed regarding the relationship between his lumbar spine disability and service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to December 23, 2019.

The Board has remanded the case due to a pre-decisional error in the duty to assist, specifically regarding the need for regular aid and attendance. The Veteran's service-connected conditions are believed to require care or assistance on a regular basis to protect him from hazards or dangers incident to his daily environment.