Hearing loss decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, insomnia (claimed as a sleep disorder), and joint pain due to potential issues with evidence or need for additional examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to new and material evidence having been received, as well as issues related to bilateral hearing loss, degenerative disc and joint disease of the lumbar spine, and individual unemployability. The claims are being returned to the RO for further development.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, but dismissed his claims for increased ratings for IBS and hearing loss disability as well as his claim for service connection for GERD.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and hydradenitis suppurativa axillary are granted service connection, while lichen simplex chronicus is denied.

The Board dismissed the appeal for a higher initial rating for bilateral hearing loss as there are no remaining questions of fact or law to be decided.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for ALS, PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, right shoulder DJD, left shoulder DJD, and bilateral knee DJD due to the need for additional examinations and proper development.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is currently rated at 50% and has not met the criteria for a higher rating prior to August 19, 2019, or in excess of 50% thereafter.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient evidence regarding the appellant's hearing loss and tinnitus, specifically a missing October 2011 audiogram.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including Parkinson's disease and related symptoms, have resulted in a loss of use of one lower extremity (left) due to the need for regular and constant use of assistive devices such as a wheeled walker and electronic wheelchair/scooter. This has led to a permanent and total disability rating, qualifying him for specially adapted housing benefits.

The Veteran's appeal for PTSD was dismissed due to his withdrawal of the claim.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative joint disease and disc disease of the neck / cervical spine, anxiety disorder, cephalgia, bilateral hearing loss, heart disability, pulmonary disability, and stroke pathology/_residuals were granted.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable, and the Board finds that an increased rating is not warranted.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a respiratory disability due to incomplete records and the need for further medical examinations.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was granted. His claim for service connection for a low back disability was denied.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, finding that it is at least as likely as not incurred during his active duty service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the issues of service connection for sleep apnea, right knee disability, left knee disability, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The Veteran's claims are being remanded to allow for further examination and opinion.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus as they are no longer relevant due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar degenerative joint disease, but denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable, with a puretone threshold average of 26 decibels and a speech discrimination score of 92 percent. The Board denied an initial compensable disability rating for the condition.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional medical records, complete the Veteran's VA Form 21-4192 for his previous employers, and schedule him for a VA examination to assess the functional impact of his service-connected disabilities on his ability to work.

The Board has remanded the hearing loss claim due to a lack of compliance with previous remand instructions and an incomplete examination report. The Veteran's lay contentions regarding in-service noise exposure are also considered.