Hearing loss decisions — 2020

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeals. The Board did not find any errors in the decisions.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have prevented him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, warranting a TDIU on an extra-schedular basis prior to February 15, 2017, and on a schedular basis since that date.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated at 70 percent since August 26, 2019. The claim for higher ratings prior to that date was denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to in-service noise exposure, resulting in a grant of service connection for both conditions.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for dependency benefits based on his marriage to M.J.W. is denied because the evidence does not show a formal or informal claim was filed prior to October 29, 2018.

The Board has decided that service connection for hearing loss is denied. The claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, alcohol abuse, and strokes are remanded due to the need for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's appeals for increased hearing loss and service connection for ear infections have been dismissed due to the death of his surviving spouse.

The Board denied service connection for sleep apnea and denied compensable ratings for left ear hearing loss and left heel spur. The Veteran's left heel spur was found to be moderately severe, but the claim of a higher rating for this condition is also denied.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and private psychiatric records from Dr. K.C., to determine if there is a material worsening in either hearing loss or PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is not related to his military service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

Service connection for hypertension is granted. Service connection for left ear hearing loss, left hip, and left ankle disabilities are denied.,The Veteran's service-connected unspecified trauma and stressor-related disorder rating is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus is denied as the current 10 percent rating already reflects all associated symptoms.,The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss is remanded due to a need for a new VA examination to determine the current severity of his disability.,The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 60 percent for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease with myocardial infarction (claimed as ischemic heart disease), associated with herbicide exposure, is remanded due to a need for a new VA examination and review of the claims file.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and remanded the issues of right knee disability, left knee disability, and PTSD. The Veteran is required to undergo further examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his knee disabilities and PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied as his disability does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to November 22, 2013, and in excess of 40 percent thereafter.

The Board has ordered a remand due to the inadequacy of the VA examiner's opinion regarding the Veteran's hearing loss disability. The Veteran is seeking service connection for bilateral hearing loss, which he claims was caused by exposure to loud jet noise during active duty.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence has been received, warranting readjudication of the claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's in-service noise exposure is conceded, and his current hearing loss disability is found to be related to his active duty service.

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

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss and irritable bowel syndrome due to insufficient evidence regarding their etiology.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his claims in May 2019.

The Board has decided to remand the cases of bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to insufficient medical evidence regarding their relationship to service. The Veteran's claims will be returned for further examination.