Hearing loss decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claims of increased ratings for various service-connected disabilities are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and evaluations.,The Veteran's cervical spine disability claim is also remanded as an adequate VA examination was not provided in the previous February 2015 neck conditions examination.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable, with no evidence of a compensable evaluation in the record.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss and service connection for vertigo was denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the thresholds for a compensable rating for his bilateral hearing loss, and there is no evidence to support service connection for his vertigo.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to military noise exposure.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of his claimed conditions. Specifically, OSA is being remanded for a VA examination, while hearing loss and tinnitus require additional addendums from VA audiologists, and vestibular disorder requires an addendum from a VA ear specialist.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not meet the criteria for VA purposes, and therefore service connection is denied.,There is no evidence of an in-service event or disease related to her bilateral eye disorder. Service connection is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's left ear hearing loss disability on a substitution basis, finding that it is related to his active military service.

The Board dismissed all claims due to the Veteran's death, as no order granting substitution has been issued.

The Board has found that additional and relevant medical evidence was received into the record since the December 2018 Statements of the Case. As a result, the case is being remanded for further development.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the preponderance of evidence is against a link to service. The low back disability issue was remanded due to insufficient medical opinion.

The claim of service connection for right ear and bilateral hearing loss is reopened due to the submission of new evidence. However, the Board has decided that a remand is necessary as there are insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and bilateral hearing loss due to insufficient evidence regarding herbicide exposure. The Veteran is presumed exposed to Agent Orange during his service in Vietnam.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for a right ear hearing loss disability, finding that it is related to his in-service noise exposure and resolving reasonable doubt in his favor.

The Veteran's initial compensable disability rating for service-connected bilateral hearing loss is denied, and an initial 10 percent disability rating for acne is granted.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to new evidence and outstanding service treatment records.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is rated as noncompensable (0%) due to the current level of impairment not meeting the criteria for a compensable rating. The Board found that his claim was denied because his hearing loss did not meet the required standards for compensation.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on multiple conditions have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of all claims.

The Board has granted service connection for erectile dysfunction as secondary to the Veteran's low back disability, but remanded several other issues including those related to bilateral hearing loss, right eye condition, acquired psychiatric disorder (depression and bipolar disorder), left knee condition, right knee condition, left hip condition, bilateral foot condition, and left elbow condition.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise regarding their relationship to service.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss and diabetes mellitus due to new evidence received after a final denial. The Veteran's exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune is established, but there is no competent evidence linking his hearing loss or diabetes to this exposure.