Hearing loss decisions — 2020

The Board found that the April 19, 1971 and November 9, 1995 rating decisions denying service connection for bilateral hearing loss were not clearly and unmistakably erroneous. The effective date of the award of service connection for bilateral hearing loss is set at the day following separation from active military service or the date entitlement arose.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have left ear hearing loss for VA compensation purposes.,Service connection claims for right ear hearing loss, tinnitus, shortness of breath (undiagnosed illness), stomach condition (acid reflux/GERD), sleep apnea, varicose veins, and migraines/headaches are remanded due to the need for additional development.

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 appeals for tinnitus, major depressive disorder, diabetes, and bilateral hearing loss have been dismissed. The issue of service connection for tingling and stinging sensations in extremities has been remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is not rated as compensable due to the severity of his hearing impairment, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under VA's rating schedule.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral hearing loss disability, finding that there was no evidence of hearing loss during or within one year after service and that any current hearing loss is more likely related to aging (presbycusis).

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is not entitled to a compensable rating, while his anxiety and abdominal TB claims are pending.

The Veteran has withdrawn his claims for bilateral hearing loss, low back pain, right knee disorder, left knee disorder, tinnitus, left forearm disorder, prostate disorder, arthritis, impotence, left hand weakness, and left elbow pain. The Board finds a remand is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any current psychiatric disability, including whether it is related to service or pre-existing conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and sleep apnea, finding that the Veteran's conditions are at least as likely as not related to his military service. The decision is based on medical evidence showing in-service noise exposure leading to current hearing loss, and symptoms of snoring and fatigue during service leading to current sleep apnea.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is granted service connection, but his claims for an acquired psychiatric disability are remanded.

The Board has remanded the cases of bilateral hearing loss and multiple lipomata due to incomplete records and need for further examination. The Veteran's service connection claims are pending.

The Veteran's hearing loss was increased from a 20% rating to a 30% rating effective March 14, 2017. The Board found that the Veteran had an exceptional pattern of hearing impairment in both ears, which resulted in a higher disability rating.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's conditions are not related to his military service.

The Board has found that further development is needed for the Veteran's service connection claims, including obtaining medical nexus opinions and seeking additional private treatment records.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are at least as likely as not related to in-service noise exposure.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for nerve impairment in the left lower extremity, right ear hearing loss, and bilateral hip disability due to lack of current diagnoses or evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability, finding that the Veteran's current hearing loss is etiologically related to his military service.

The Board has granted TDIU for the periods prior to February 1, 2016, and from December 1, 2016. However, the case is remanded for further consideration of TDIU for the period from February 1, 2016, to June 13, 2016.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was dismissed as he withdrew his appeal prior to a decision.,Ratings were granted or denied for various knee conditions and radiculopathy issues.

The Board has remanded the case due to a missed VA hearing loss examination. The Veteran will be given another opportunity for an examination.