Hearing loss decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied.,Service connection for tinnitus has been granted, as the Veteran had continuous symptoms since service.

The Board has decided that a new VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's diagnosed bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is considered to have started during his military service and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to inadequate examination in determining their etiology.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are etiologically related to acoustic trauma sustained during active service, and therefore grants entitlement to service connection for both conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected hearing loss and tinnitus contributed to his death from anaphylaxis due to insect stings. The Board found that the Veteran would not have approached the lilac bush if he could hear, thus attributing his death to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from attending to the needs of nature, caring for himself, or protecting himself from the hazards of his environment prior to March 7, 2018. Therefore, he is not eligible for SMC based on aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development due to new evidence received after the August 2019 Supplemental Statement of the Case.

The Board has denied service connection for prostate cancer, right knee condition, and residuals of a traumatic brain injury. The case is remanded to determine if the Veteran had skin cancer attributable to his Vietnam service.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current condition is at least as likely as not related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased hearing loss, service connection for lung cancer and coronary artery disease are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions.

The Board has remanded the cases due to the Veteran's failure to report for a scheduled VA examination. The examiner is asked to review the claims file and provide an opinion on whether the Veteran’s hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his active service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was evaluated as Level II in both ears, resulting in a noncompensable rating. The Board found that the evidence did not support an increase in his disability rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to lack of new and material evidence, as the preponderance of the evidence did not support a finding that his conditions were related to service.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus but has remanded the issue of service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to inadequate examination and reasoning.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current hearing loss disability in his right ear, as defined by VA regulations. Therefore, service connection for right ear hearing loss is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inconsistencies in the appellant's hearing test results, and it is unclear if his current right ear hearing loss is related to military service.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear hearing loss but denied service connection for left eye glaucoma.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable initial disability rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied as his hearing acuity did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for bilateral hearing loss with vertigo is being remanded due to the need for clarification regarding whether he has ever had symptoms or a diagnosis of Meniere’s syndrome and clarity regarding the severity of his current symptoms.