Hearing loss decisions — 2020

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is service-connected, as it is likely due to in-service acoustic trauma.

The Board has denied a rating in excess of the current 10 percent for service-connected bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's hearing acuity does not meet the criteria for an increased rating.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for effective dates earlier than June 15, 2015 for service connection of bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and psoriasis due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is rated at 0 percent, as the evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder) due to lack of evidence showing a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's hearing loss has been rated as noncompensable throughout the appeal period, with no worse than level II in both ears. The Board denied a compensable rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current hearing loss is related to in-service noise exposure and resolving all reasonable doubt in his favor.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss from August 30, 2013 to September 19, 2017 was denied.,The Veteran's entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral hearing loss since September 20, 2017 was also denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, and the Board has granted service connection for headaches. The remaining issues are remanded for further development.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's tinnitus and hearing loss are service-connected, but has ordered additional development for his hearing loss claim.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to have started during service and has continued since then.,Service connection for bacterial sinusitis with rhinitis is granted, as the evidence is at least in equipoise that it began during service.,Right knee osteoarthritis is granted on reopening of a previously denied claim.,Migraine headaches are granted on reopening of a previously denied claim.,Bilateral pes planus with bilateral plantar fasciitis is granted on reopening of a previously denied claim.,Service connection for right ear hearing loss is established as the evidence supports its onset during service.,Cervical strain with degenerative joint disease is found to be related to service.,Lumbosacral strain with thoracolumbar spine osteoarthritis is found to be related to service.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss, hypertension, pes planus, and keloid scarring have been granted. The cases of pes planus and keloid scarring are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and bilateral hearing loss due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service. The case is remanded for further examination and opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's hearing loss.

The Veteran's service connection claims for hearing loss and gastrointestinal disorders have been denied as there is no evidence of a nexus between the conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss has been denied as the evidence does not support a higher disability rating during any of the specified periods.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus, finding that these conditions are related to acoustic trauma sustained during active military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development of evidence.

The Veteran was granted TDIU prior to September 16, 2015 due to his service-connected disabilities. However, he is not entitled to TDIU on or after that date as his combined evaluation has reached 100 percent and there are no other service-connected disabilities rated at 60 percent or higher.

The Veteran's claim for a respiratory disorder due to asbestos exposure is denied as there is no evidence of current respiratory disability.,Service connection is granted for left ear hearing loss, with the condition being presumed under the provisions of the PACT Act (Patient Care and Treatment Act).,The Veteran's claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD and major depressive disorder) are remanded as they may be related to service. The claim for alcohol dependence secondary to an acquired psychiatric disorder is also remanded.,Service connection is remanded for rheumatoid arthritis, with the issue being remanded due to conflicting medical opinions regarding its onset during active duty or post-service.,The Veteran's right shoulder disorder claim is remanded as it may be related to service.

The Veteran's appeals for effective dates prior to August 4, 2015 for the grant of service connection for left ear hearing loss and bursitis and degenerative arthritis of the right shoulder were denied.,The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss were also denied.