Hearing loss decisions — 2020

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss is related to his noise exposure during military service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss and a bilateral foot condition due to insufficient evidence. A supplemental opinion is needed regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed bilateral hearing loss, and an examination is required for the bilateral foot condition.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was rated as noncompensable prior to March 6, 2017, and at a 10 percent rating thereafter. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and to obtain a medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability. The left shoulder disorder claim is denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as he does not have a current disability.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left-hand index finger disability is denied as there is no evidence of a current diagnosis or treatment related to this condition.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches and cervical spine disorder are remanded due to inadequate medical opinions in previous examinations.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine disorder is also remanded.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for his bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to the need for updated VA and/or private treatment records, as well as a new VA audiological examination.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral knee disability, joint stiffness (claimed as bursitis), headaches, PTSD, and bilateral hearing loss were all granted. The decision is based on presumptive service connection due to exposure in the Gulf War.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, an acquired psychiatric disorder (likely PTSD), cirrhosis of the liver, and ischemic heart disease.

The Veteran's appeal for a compensable initial disability rating for bilateral hearing loss has been denied. The issue of service connection for a pulmonary disability, to include as secondary to asbestos exposure, is remanded and requires further medical opinion.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, but has remanded the issue of service connection for a bilateral foot disability.

The Veteran's cervical spine strain is currently rated at 20 percent, effective June 8, 2010. The Board found that the Veteran’s radiculopathy of the upper extremities associated with his cervical spine strain warrants separate ratings of 20 percent each since June 8, 2010.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus but has remanded the case for a new VA examination to determine if the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is related to his military service. The issues of service connection for both tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss are currently before the Board.

The Veteran's right hip disability is granted as secondary to his service-connected left knee disability.,The Veteran's low back disability is granted as secondary to his service-connected left knee disability.,The Veteran's groin disability is remanded for further evaluation.,The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is granted due to conceded in-service noise exposure.,The Veteran's right shoulder degenerative arthritis with AC separation and calcific tendinopathy is granted as secondary to a deltoid injury during service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, diabetes mellitus type II, peripheral neuropathy, and a low back condition. The evidence does not support a finding that any of these conditions are related to service.

The Board has determined that the reduction of the Veteran's disability rating for bilateral hearing loss from 40 percent to 30 percent was not proper and restored the 40 percent rating. The issues of entitlement to a higher disability rating for bilateral hearing loss and TDIU are remanded due to new evidence.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there is no evidence of a nexus between current disability and military service.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to his in-service exposure to loud noise during active duty.

The Board has denied the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that these conditions were not incurred during a period of active duty or training.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to unresolved issues regarding his respiratory, sleep apnea, hearing loss, and tinnitus conditions. The claims are being reviewed in light of new evidence or further examination.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum available rating. His PTSD remains at a 50 percent rating, and his TDIU claim has been remanded for further review.