Hearing loss decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied as his hearing impairment does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection, but his bilateral hearing loss does not meet the criteria for a ratable disability and therefore cannot be granted service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's hearing loss and related symptoms. The Veteran needs a new VA examination for his bilateral hearing loss, as well as an evaluation of his reported ear symptoms.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) and spinal stenosis, have rendered him unable to meet most of his daily personal needs without regular aid and attendance from another individual. The Board granted special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance due to the Veteran's physical limitations.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated at 50 percent, the maximum rating available under VA guidelines. The Board found that his hearing acuity does not warrant a higher rating based on the current evidence.

The Board has dismissed all appeals as the appellant died during the pendency of the appeal.

The Veteran's neurological disorders of the right upper extremity (RUE) and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities (BLE) are granted as secondary to his service-connected diabetes.,The Veteran's prostate disorder is remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional examinations and development of records. The issues include entitlement to increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and service connection for obstructive sleep apnea.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss but has remanded the issues of left ear hearing loss and dental disability for compensation purposes due to outstanding VA treatment records and SSA records.

The Veteran's case is being remanded due to the need for another VA examination for his left ear hearing loss and a readjudication of his low back disorder claim, including consideration of new evidence. The rating for his left ear hearing loss will be scheduled for an examination.

The Board has denied service connection for tinnitus due to lack of evidence showing chronicity in service or continuity of symptomatology. The hearing loss claim is remanded as the VA audiological evaluations did not use the required Maryland CNC test.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is granted as service-connected.,An initial 50 percent rating for cephalgia (headaches) from January 8, 2013 is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss on a presumptive basis due to noise exposure in service, resolving reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death and entitlement to service-connected burial benefits, finding that malaria was a contributing factor in his death.

The Veteran's initial and increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence, including updated VA treatment records and audiogram findings.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate VA examination, and a new one must be conducted to determine if the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is related to his service.

The Veteran was granted service connection for lumbar herniated disc and degenerative disc disease, but denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss.

Service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae is granted. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and thoracolumbar spine disability (back disability) are remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA audiological examination, and a new examination is required to determine if the Veteran's current hearing loss in the right ear is related to his active service.

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