Hearing loss decisions — 2020

The Veteran's initial compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss is denied. The Veteran was granted a 100% evaluation for PTSD and mild neurocognitive disorder from October 15, 2012 to March 16, 2015.

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss and secondary service connection for equilibrium disorder have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a grant of a compensable rating prior to February 21, 2012 or in excess of 40 percent thereafter for bilateral hearing loss. For the equilibrium disorder claim, the Board determined there was no medical evidence showing it is secondary to service-connected bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the appellant's claims for accrued benefits, increased ratings, and service connection are all partially granted. The decision on accrued benefits is mixed as some issues were denied while others were granted. Increased ratings for CAD, right knee disability, fracture residuals, ED with impotency, and hearing loss have been granted or denied based on the date of death. Service connection for tinnitus has also been granted. SMC at housebound rate and based on regular need for aid and attendance have been awarded from specific dates. The TDIU was granted effective February 5, 2004.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to a lack of evidence showing current disabilities.,Service connection is also denied for memory loss as there is no evidence of a current disability.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss as the evidence did not show it was incurred or aggravated during active duty, and there was no showing of continuity of symptomatology.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection, including those related to accrued benefits or substitution purposes. The issues include hearing loss, rheumatism, arthritis, pneumonia with pleural effusion, atherosclerotic aorta, headaches, and anemia.

The Veteran's claims for renal condition, hypertension, bilateral hearing loss, bilateral pes planus, lumbar degenerative disc disease, and bilateral knee disabilities have been reopened due to the submission of new evidence.,These issues are being remanded as there is insufficient evidence to make a determination on their merits.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to conflicting private and VA audiometric testing results, questions about the existence and extent of current hearing loss disability, and the etiology of any such disability. Further medical examination is needed.

The Board denied service connection for right shoulder degenerative joint disease and granted service connection for right ear hearing loss. The Board found no evidence linking the current conditions to service or a service-connected condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between his current hearing condition and his military service or any service-connected disability.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss should be remanded due to insufficient evidence in the previous VA examination report.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen claims for service connection for a right knee disorder, an upper and lower back disorder, hypertension, and remanded the issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's claims are being returned for further development.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's conditions and their relationship to his military service. The Veteran is not entitled to service connection for bilateral hearing loss, left knee condition, back condition, neck condition, or cervical radiculopathy.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development and to ensure compliance with due process requirements, including obtaining VA treatment records from December 2008 through August 2010, obtaining private medical records from Bay Medical Center, and providing a medical opinion regarding causation of the Veteran’s death.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his service-connected psychoneurosis, bilateral hearing loss, and PTSD were denied. Service connection was also denied for hypertension, a heart condition, and residuals of a stroke due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to active duty service.

The Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for left ear hearing loss and service connection for right ear hearing loss are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spine disorder, left ankle disorder, right carpal tunnel syndrome, and left carpal tunnel syndrome are remanded due to the need to obtain STRs.

The Veteran's service-connected dizziness is granted with a separate 30 percent rating, while his hearing loss and tinnitus remain at non-compensable ratings.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for vertigo, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus due to new evidence received since previous decisions. The claims are now remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and otitis externa due to inadequate medical examination reports. The VA is required to obtain adequate examinations and opinions that address the etiology of the Veteran’s conditions, including his lay statements, in-service threshold shifts, and history of treatment.