Hearing loss decisions — 2020

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral hearing loss disability, finding that the evidence did not support a nexus between his current hearing loss and in-service noise exposure.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, finding that his disability did not meet or approximate the criteria for any higher evaluation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to incomplete development, including locating a lay statement submitted by his wife. An addendum opinion is required from the VA examiner who provided the December 2019 VA audiological examination.

The Board has decided to remand the cases of bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling an appropriate VA examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for hypertension and bilateral hearing loss due to non-compliance with previous remand directives. The Veteran's TDIU claim is also remanded as there are insufficient medical opinions regarding his ability to work.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to unclear audiogram results and the need for further clarification.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss was not found to be present at any time during or recent to the filing of his claim, and therefore service connection is denied.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, hypertension, and acid reflux. The issues of increased rating for PTSD prior to June 11, 2020, and in excess of 70 percent after June 11, 2020, are remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to inadequate July 2016 VA examination. The claims are being remanded for new examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss has been rated at a noncompensable level due to the severity of his condition, which is manifested by level II hearing acuity in both ears. The Board found that mechanical application of the applicable rating criteria did not warrant a compensable rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for a compensable evaluation for left ear hearing loss and service connection for right ear hearing loss, finding that his current audiometric results did not meet the criteria for disability ratings under VA regulations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran did not have a diagnosed bilateral hearing loss disability for VA purposes during or since his service, and therefore denied entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss for accrued benefits purposes.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and further development is needed.

The claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and a psychiatric disorder have been reopened, but the merits of these claims are still pending. The Board has ordered new VA examinations to address the Veteran's assertions regarding in-service noise exposure and effectiveness of available hearing protection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of bilateral hearing loss, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between his current hearing loss and his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's conditions began during active service. The remaining issues of service connection for elbow disabilities and scars have been remanded for further examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to a lack of an adequate medical examination. The Veteran contends that his current hearing loss and tinnitus are related to noise exposure during service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss and an initial compensable rating for left ear hearing loss, finding that there was no current diagnosis of right ear hearing loss disability for VA purposes.

The Board has remanded the case for obtaining missing VA treatment records related to audiometric testing. The Veteran's spouse is in need of aid and attendance due to her physical incapacity, which requires care or assistance on a regular basis.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his right eye blindness and bilateral hearing loss, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted TDIU based on the combined rating of 70% for his service-connected conditions.