Hearing loss decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for updated VA examination and consideration of any new evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been reopened, and the appeal is granted to this extent. Service connection for tinnitus is granted.

The Veteran's claim for bilateral hearing loss was reopened and granted. Parkinson’s disease is granted as secondary to service-connected traumatic brain injury. Tinnitus remains at the maximum schedular rating of 10%. Reduced sense of smell and taste are not compensable. An effective date of April 20, 2015, but no earlier, for a higher rating of 30% for irritable bowel syndrome with GERD is granted. Right elbow cubital tunnel syndrome remains at the maximum schedular rating of 10%. The Veteran's appeal regarding right arm nerve damage (cubital tunnel syndrome) is remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU due to delays in scheduling VA examinations, and requests additional development of his medical records.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's claims of service connection for depression, sarcoidosis, bilateral hearing loss, a bilateral knee disorder, and a low back disorder due to his death.

The Board denied service connection for right ear hearing loss, left ear hearing loss, and tinnitus. The Veteran's pre-existing left ear hearing loss was not aggravated by his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and remanded the issue of whether sleep apnea is secondary to PTSD. The decision on these issues is mixed as one issue was granted (bilateral hearing loss) and another was remanded (sleep apnea).

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's conditions are related to in-service noise exposure.

The Board dismissed all the issues related to service connection and compensation for various disabilities, including hearing loss, back injury, scars, paralysis of upper and lower extremities, and TDIU. The decision also noted that the appellant died during the appeal process.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss, and the Board has dismissed this issue.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current condition is at least in equipoise with his military service exposure to acoustic trauma.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hearing loss of the left ear is related to his in-service noise exposure and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral ankle disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus are not related to his time in service. The claims for these conditions have been remanded for further review.

The Board has denied service connection for hearing loss and lower back condition due to failure of the Veteran to report for a VA examination. The Board has also remanded issues regarding left lower leg condition and arthritis as there is insufficient evidence on record.

The Board has denied service connection for left ear hearing loss and remanded the cases of sinusitis and allergic rhinitis. The Veteran's claims are pending further development.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection and initial ratings for hearing loss in both ears, as well as knee osteoarthritis, has been remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's testimony regarding an in-service acoustic trauma and his post-service progressive hearing loss is credible and probative. The decision resolves reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's sarcoidosis and tinnitus are found to be service-connected, while his bilateral hearing loss is not.,Service connection for sarcoidosis and tinnitus has been granted based on in-service exposure and continuity of symptomatology.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension, bilateral foot disabilities, and bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service.,Service connection was also denied for tinnitus.