Hearing loss decisions — 2020

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding no current disability meeting VA's definition of a hearing loss disability.,Service connection was also denied for the gallbladder disorder. The examiner noted that the polyps were likely developed after 2008 and not related to environmental exposures in Southwest Asia or eating canned food during service.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss was denied as his hearing acuity did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to new evidence and outstanding records, including SSA disability determination records and VA treatment records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss, a spine condition, an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as PTSD), and restoration of his 60% disability rating for hyperparathyroidism due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, but denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's left ear hearing loss is related to her military service. The Veteran needs a new VA examination to determine if there is a link between her current condition and her time in active duty.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for an opinion on whether the Veteran's pre-service hearing loss was aggravated by service, specifically his MOS as a field artillery crewman.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a respiratory condition related to asbestos exposure, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus have been granted. The respiratory claim is denied as the Veteran does not have a current respiratory disability related to asbestos exposure. The hearing loss claim is denied as he does not meet the criteria for a disability under VA regulations. The tinnitus claim is granted.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss is rated as noncompensable throughout the appeal period, with an average puretone threshold of 65 decibels and a speech discrimination score of 88 percent. The Board found that this did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is due to acoustic trauma incurred in service and grants his claim for service connection.

The Board has decided to remand the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to missing separation examination records. The Veteran's attorney provided medical literature that should be considered in the new opinion.

The Board dismissed the appeals for entitlement to a rating in excess of 10 percent for essential tremors and entitlement to a compensable rating for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss as the appellant's representative withdrew the appeals prior to the promulgation of a decision.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, thoracolumbar compression fracture, hypertension, and acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD and generalized anxiety disorder) are all granted service connection. Secondary service connection is also granted for COPD, grand mal seizure disorder, osteoporosis, vertigo, and obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to his acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and erectile dysfunction due to inadequate medical opinions. The Veteran's BHL is related to his military occupational specialty, while the cause of his ED remains unclear.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for a back disability, bilateral hearing loss disability, and tinnitus. The claims are being remanded to obtain missing records and provide the Veteran with appropriate VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the issues of entitlement to service connection for Meniere’s disease and a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss. The issue of rating for appendectomy scar and drain site scar is also being remanded.

The Board has decided to remand two issues: an increased rating for hearing loss and service connection for amyloidosis. For the hearing loss, a new VA examination is needed due to the Veteran's testimony of worsening symptoms. For amyloidosis, the Board will seek further evidence regarding exposure to Agent Orange during service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection of bilateral hearing loss and granted it, finding that there is sufficient evidence to establish a link between his military service and his current condition.

The Veteran is granted a 10 percent rating for bilateral hearing loss, but no higher. The decision resolves all reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and recurrent, bilateral tinnitus as these conditions were noted in service with a continuity of symptoms since then.