Hearing loss decisions — 2020

Service connection is granted for tinnitus, but the issue of service connection for bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to inadequate opinion.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise regarding whether his current hearing loss disability is etiologically related to acoustic trauma sustained during active duty.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration due to insufficient evidence regarding service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and prostate cancer as secondary to herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss has been rated at 20 percent since June 5, 2017. The Board found that the evidence did not warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's service connection for small bowel carcinoid associated with duodenal ulcer was granted. However, his initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent for bilateral hearing loss prior to May 30, 2019 and from May 30, 2019 onward was denied.

The Veteran's service connection claims for hearing loss of the right ear, an acquired psychiatric disability (claimed as major depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, and PTSD), and low back disability are all granted. However, a rating in excess of 10 percent is denied for his low back disability.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to his request for a withdrawal of the appeals on service connection for PTSD, increased rating for bilateral hearing loss, and increased rating for thoracolumbar spine disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss began during his active military service and is related to in-service loud noise exposure, leading to a grant of service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and further development is needed before a decision can be made on the Veteran's claim for hearing loss ratings.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, left and right ankle disabilities, pseudofolliculitis barbae, and sinusitis due to new and material evidence. These issues are being remanded for further development.,The Veteran's claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss is remanded as a VA examination opinion was inadequate.

The Board has remanded several issues related to service connection for various disabilities, including PTSD, cervical disorder, left ear hearing loss, and knee disorders. The Veteran's mental health records need to be obtained, as well as additional examinations to determine the nature and etiology of her claimed conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, a sleep disorder (including sleep apnea), hearing loss, and tinnitus due to insufficient evidence or need for further examination.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus do not render him unemployable due to their impact on his ability to work, as he can perform jobs with minimal physical responsibility and environments that are not noisy.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated at 50% from January 29, 2013. The Board has granted a higher rating for his right upper extremity scars and tinnitus. The case is remanded to determine if the Veteran should be awarded TDIU due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded two issues: whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for left ear hearing loss, and entitlement to a compensable evaluation for right ear hearing loss. The Veteran is required to provide VA with any relevant medical records from 2009 onwards, including from the Orlando VA Medical Center. He is also required to undergo an examination to determine the current severity of his right ear hearing loss and whether he now has left ear hearing loss disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss as there is no current disability meeting VA criteria, and the evidence does not support a nexus to in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for reopening the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is at least as likely as not related to his active service, and thus grants entitlement to service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the evidence is not in favor of granting service connection for chronic sinusitis, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a lumbar spine disability. The claims are therefore remanded to allow for further development.

The Veteran was granted TDIU from September 27, 2017. The Board also remanded the case for consideration of extraschedular TDIU prior to that date.