Hearing loss decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities (claimed as secondary to diabetes mellitus), and tinnitus has been remanded due to insufficient evidence. The Board found that new and material evidence had been received to reopen the claim for bilateral hearing loss but is seeking further examination or opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's tinnitus.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and a TDIU were denied. The left ear hearing loss was rated as noncompensable, posttraumatic headaches with TBI were rated at 10 percent prior to May 31, 2019 and 30 percent thereafter, and the trauma/stressor-related disorder was rated at 70 percent but no higher prior to May 31, 2019. The appeals are denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, diabetes mellitus, bilateral hearing loss, and nonobstructive coronary artery disease, have prevented him from securing and maintaining gainful employment since February 1, 2013. The Board has granted a TDIU rating for this period.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for chronic maxillary sinusitis is denied.,The Veteran's initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss prior to September 17, 2019 and a rating in excess of 10 percent after September 17, 2019 is denied. The case is remanded for further development.

The Board dismissed the appeal regarding whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The issue of an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for neuropathy, left lower leg and foot, status post shrapnel wound is remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's conditions are at least as likely as not related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for further examination and opinion regarding service connection for loss of balance due to tinnitus. The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and head injury residuals are denied as there is no evidence of current disability.

The Board has remanded several claims for service connection due to the Veteran's previous denial of these conditions in 2014 and 2016. The new claim is considered a reopening of those prior determinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss disability is at least as likely as not incurred in, and etiologically related to, acoustic trauma during active service. Therefore, service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's claims for reimbursement of parking fees and monthly subsistence allowance, as well as his request for VR&E services including independent living services, are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence.,The Veteran has been provided with a thorough vocational rehabilitation evaluation that includes assessments of his current limitations caused by service-connected disabilities and their impact on his ability to perform in both his current occupational field and desired career changes.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for COPD, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus due to conflicting medical opinions regarding their etiology.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development due to incomplete records and the need for additional medical examinations.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus disabilities, including obtaining a new VA examination and reviewing relevant medical records.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete audiometry results and outstanding VA treatment records. The Veteran's claim for an increased disability evaluation for bilateral hearing loss remains on appeal.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral tinnitus. The cases of diabetes mellitus type II and bilateral hearing loss are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear hearing loss but denied service connection for right ear hearing loss. The decision is based on the evidence showing that the Veteran's current left ear hearing loss likely had its onset during active military service, while there was no evidence of right ear hearing loss meeting VA criteria.

The Board has ordered a new VA examination to assess the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability, but the examiner did not address chronic otitis media, otitis externa, peripheral vestibular disorder, Meniere’s syndrome, or a perforated tympanic membrane. The Board finds that its remand instructions were not substantially complied with and thus requires further medical opinion.

The Veteran's service-connected left inguinal hernia residuals do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.,The Veteran’s hernia scar does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under VA regulations.,Service connection was denied for bilateral shoulder, elbow, hip, and knee disorders due to lack of evidence supporting their existence or causation by service.,Service connection was denied for left ear hearing loss as there is no evidence of current disability meeting VA's definition of hearing loss.,Service connection was denied for tinnitus as the Veteran did not report having it during his STRs and medical records.

The Board has found that the Veteran does not have current disability due to his claimed piriformis syndrome of the bilateral lower extremities, erectile dysfunction, hemorrhoids, bilateral hearing loss, or hypertension related to active service. The appeal is being remanded for further examination and evaluation.

The Veteran was granted a 10% disability rating for bilateral hearing loss effective July 27, 2017. The appeal is denied prior to that date.