Hearing loss decisions — 2020

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

The Board denied service connection for hypertension and a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's hypertension was not found to be incurred in or aggravated by his military service, as there is no evidence of an in-service onset or continuity of symptoms post-service. For the hearing loss, the Board determined that a 10% rating from May 6, 2019, was warranted.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, which is currently diagnosed and linked to in-service noise exposure. The claim will be reviewed again with a new opinion.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a left thigh scar was withdrawn. The claim for latent tuberculosis infection was denied as there is no evidence of active tuberculosis during or after service. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss and left knee disorder were remanded due to insufficient evidence, while the claim for left leg and thigh disability (varicose veins) was also remanded.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss prior to June 16, 2017 was rated at 40 percent and from June 16, 2017 was rated at 50 percent. The claim for increased rating is denied as the Veteran’s hearing loss does not warrant a higher rating under VA schedular criteria.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation consistent with his education and occupational experience.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for asbestos-related pleural disease, bilateral hearing loss, chronic kidney disease, and hypertension due to further development being necessary. The case will be returned to the AOJ for additional examinations and evidence collection.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial compensable rating for his bilateral hearing loss disability prior to November 20, 2017, and a rating in excess of 10 percent from that date forward has been denied.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions have been granted. The Board found that the Veteran had current disabilities and credible reports of in-service acoustic trauma, which led to his current hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been granted service connection. However, the issues of service connection for prostate cancer and renal cancer remain unresolved due to lack of definitive information regarding exposure in Vietnam.,Service connection for prostate cancer is remanded as the Veteran served on a ship off the coast of Vietnam during the presumptive period.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to unresolved issues regarding service connection for various conditions, including PTSD, sleep apnea, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, hypertension, and a skin disability. The appeals are currently pending.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for left ear hearing loss, skin cancer, low back disability, right lower extremity radiculopathy, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and sleep apnea due to inadequate medical opinions in the July 2014 VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, which is presumed to be related to in-service noise exposure. The Veteran was exposed to loud noises during service as a Boatswains Mate and now claims his current hearing loss is linked to this exposure.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection of a lumbar spine disability due to insufficient medical opinion and consideration of lay evidence.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been dismissed as the appellant withdrew his request from appellate review.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is rated at 30 percent since November 9, 2017 and denied for higher ratings prior to that date.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development and examination to determine if the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and/or acquired psychiatric disorder are related to his active service. The claims will be reconsidered after the additional evidence is obtained.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to a lack of compliance with previous instructions and an incomplete examination report. The Veteran's lay contentions regarding in-service noise exposure are to be considered, along with any continuity of symptoms since service.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected anxiety disorder, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss prevented him from obtaining and sustaining a substantially gainful occupation.