Hearing loss decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for higher evaluations under applicable rating schedules, except for one claim which was remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is service-connected, and remanded for further development on other issues. The VA examinations are needed to assess the severity of his service-connected disabilities, including Raynaud's syndrome.

The Board has decided that there was not substantial compliance with previous remand directives and has ordered a new development to adjudicate whether the November 2012 rating decision contained CUE in granting service connection for tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, depression, and peripheral neuropathy of the right arm. The effective date for sleep apnea is still being considered.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to the inadequacy of the March 2018 VA examination and the need for further medical guidance.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to inadequate medical opinions in the April 2018 VA examination. The examiner is requested to provide a new opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus, including whether any increase in severity during service was clearly and unmistakably due to natural progression.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current hearing loss did not manifest during or within one year after his active service and is not otherwise related to his military service.

The appeal for service connection for left hearing loss is dismissed as it has already been granted. The increased evaluation claim for the low back disability is denied, and the TDIU claim is remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and initial rating for hearing loss disabilities due to inadequate medical opinions. The Veteran's right ear hearing loss disability is being reviewed again, while the left ear hearing loss disability remains inextricably intertwined with the right ear claim.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between the disabilities and military service.

The Veteran's claim for bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error, and an addendum opinion is needed regarding whether his hearing loss is related to combat noise exposure in Vietnam.

The Veteran's claims for rhabdomyolysis and bilateral hearing loss have been granted as new evidence has been submitted. The claim of service connection for left foot condition (claimed as bilateral foot condition) is denied due to lack of current diagnosis.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, has been granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is etiologically related to military noise exposure, and thus service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is denied as there is no evidence of a current diagnosis.,Service connection for loss of sense of smell is denied due to lack of medical evidence linking the condition to service, including exposure to Project SHAD.,The case for service connection for brain tumor is remanded due to insufficient development regarding potential asbestos exposure during service.,Bilateral SNHL claim is also remanded as there was no examination or opinion provided on the etiology of the hearing loss.

The Veteran was granted service connection for tinnitus, but denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The Board found that the Veteran's tinnitus is related to his active service and conceded noise exposure in service, while finding no evidence of bilateral hearing loss within one year of separation or due to service.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's conditions began during his military service. The decision is based on credible evidence of in-service noise exposure and symptom onset.

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

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus should be remanded due to insufficient evidence of record, including missing military records. A VA audiological examination is needed to determine if these conditions are related to his in-service noise exposure as a mechanic.

The Veteran's hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable, and the Board has remanded for further development regarding his lumps on the right inner thigh. The appeal does not involve service connection based on exposure to herbicides.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for an addendum opinion regarding whether the Veteran's previously diagnosed bilateral hearing loss had a delayed onset as a result of in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has been rated as noncompensable, with the most recent audiometric evaluations showing average hearing thresholds of 41 decibels in the right ear and 50 decibels in the left ear. The Board found that these results do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.