Hearing loss decisions — 2020

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate VA examination, and a new one must be conducted to determine if the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is related to his service.

The Veteran requested to withdraw their appeal due to scheduling a new examination for their service-connected hearing loss. As a result, the Board has dismissed the case.

The Veteran was granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities, specifically bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, for the claim period from January 17, 2020 forward. The decision is based on the Veteran's inability to maintain substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected hearing loss.

The Board has granted readjudication of the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran’s death based on new and relevant evidence. However, the claim remains denied as there is no medical evidence showing that any service-connected disability contributed to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are remanded due to a duty to assist error in the May 2020 rating decision. A new VA examination is needed to address the Veteran’s MOS and noise exposure during his active duty.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and has remanded his claims of service connection for a sinus condition, left shoulder condition, and right shoulder condition.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and disability ratings have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the evidence did not support an increase in disability ratings.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and his headaches. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss. The examiner was not able to provide a definitive opinion without resorting to speculation.

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 Veteran's credible testimony and medical evidence indicating noise exposure during service, which led to current hearing loss in both ears.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to herbicide exposure for diabetes mellitus, type 2; loss of vision and use of a creative organ (likely referring to hand function); loss of fingernails; peripheral neuropathy; circulatory condition of the legs; bilateral hearing loss; stroke and related complications; and PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hearing loss is due to in-service noise exposure, and thus grants entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss.

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

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including multiple musculoskeletal issues and PTSD, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation as of April 12, 2010. His TDIU is granted effective from that date.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss is denied as he does not have a current disability that meets VA criteria.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied as the audiometric test results do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under VA's hearing loss disability evaluation schedule.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, eczema/sarcoidosis of the skin, a lumbar spine condition, and a pulmonary condition due to outstanding medical records and need for further examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete information and need for further examination regarding the Veteran's left ear hearing loss, which may be related to his service-connected brain tumors.