Hearing loss decisions — 2020

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and submandibular gland carcinoma, finding no evidence to support a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied as his most severe hearing acuity during the appeal period was Level I, which corresponds to a noncompensable rating.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher disability rating for service-connected bilateral hearing loss was denied prior to September 4, 2015. However, starting from that date, the Veteran received a 40 percent rating.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and an acquired psychiatric disability (to include PTSD) as there is no confirmed current diagnosis of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to a lack of consideration of the Veteran's lay statements regarding his symptoms.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of the regular aid and attendance of another person, which is granted for special monthly compensation (SMC) at the aid and attendance rate.

The Veteran's increased rating claim for bilateral hearing loss is denied prior to December 21, 2012 and from December 21, 2012 to November 17, 2017. A rating of 40 percent is granted from November 17, 2017 to April 11, 2019.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated as non-compensable under Diagnostic Code 6100. The Board concludes that the preponderance of evidence is against the claim and denies a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has remanded three issues: tinea versicolor, bilateral hearing loss, and vertigo. The Veteran needs additional examinations for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to the need for additional evidence and clarification of his audiometric test results.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss started in service and has continued since, meeting the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is granted service connection. Service connection for scleroderma and diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities are granted, but a rating greater than 10 percent for type 2 diabetes mellitus and an initial compensable rating for left foot surgical scar remain denied.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including back and knee disabilities, hearing loss, sleep apnea, and hypertension. The examination is required for these cases due to conflicting medical opinions and lack of recent medical records.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and has remanded the issue of a compensable disability rating for hearing loss.

The Veteran's GERD is granted as service connected, and his bilateral hearing loss is denied due to lack of continuity of symptoms within one year post-service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hearing loss and thoracic outlet syndrome due to insufficient evidence regarding current diagnoses and potential service connection.

The Veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection. The issues of bilateral hearing loss, pes planus (flatfeet), and varicose veins are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and TBI have been dismissed.,PTSD was previously rated at 70% prior to February 11, 2020. Effective from that date, the rating has been increased to 100%.,A claim for Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) is moot as of February 11, 2020.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral hearing loss was denied. The Board also found that the issue of entitlement to an effective date prior to May 13, 2011 for the grant of service connection for bilateral hearing loss should be remanded as a statement of the case has not yet been issued.

The Veteran's hearing loss has not been found to be worse than the current noncompensable rating, as it does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating based on his audiometric test results.