Hearing loss decisions — 2020

The Veteran's initial ratings for vasomotor rhinitis, left wrist condition, and right ankle disability are being remanded due to the need for updated VA examinations.,The Veteran's initial rating for a right knee disability is being remanded as his representative submitted an independent medical opinion suggesting that it may be secondary to his service-connected right ankle disability. Updated VA examination is needed.,The Veteran's claims of varicose veins, back condition, gastrointestinal disability (manifesting in blood in stool), prostate condition, and hearing loss are being remanded due to the need for updated VA examinations and medical opinions regarding their etiology.,The Veteran's recurrent sinus condition and right eye condition are being remanded as his representative submitted an independent medical opinion suggesting that they may be secondary to his service-connected vasomotor rhinitis. Updated VA examination is needed.

The Board has remanded the claims for neck, bilateral wrist, bilateral hip, bilateral knee, bilateral ankle, bilateral foot, bilateral shoulder, and bilateral elbow disabilities due to insufficient evidence.,No new or material evidence was provided to reopen any of these service connection claims.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and right ear hearing loss due to potential issues with the VA examination report.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus due to conflicting medical opinions. The Veteran served on an aircraft carrier where he was exposed to noise, but his service records are unavailable. Further examination is needed to determine if his hearing loss and tinnitus are related to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for right ear hearing loss has been reopened and is being remanded for further development.,The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left ear hearing loss, sinusitis, and erectile dysfunction are also being remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss, requiring a new VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 60 percent for heart disability has been dismissed. The Board also remanded the issue of TDIU.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied, and the Board also found that his prostate cancer claim should be remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding exposure.,His hearing loss has been rated as noncompensable prior to April 30, 2018, and at 10 percent thereafter.

The Board has denied service connection for a back disability, and the case is remanded for further development regarding right ear hearing loss, left knee disability, and right knee disability.

The Board dismissed the claim for service connection for Multiple Sclerosis as it had been granted by a prior August 2019 rating decision.,The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was denied with ratings of 20 percent before July 20, 2016 and 60 percent beginning July 20, 2016.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was reduced from a 100% rating to a 10% rating, effective November 1, 2011. The psychiatric disorder issue is being remanded for further review.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for such a rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection has been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The claims for depression, generalized anxiety disorder, PTSD with sleep disorder and memory loss, and bilateral hearing loss are all remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has decided that the reduction from 80 percent to 40 percent for bilateral hearing loss was improper and remanded for further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right shoulder, right knee, and left ear hearing loss disabilities, as well as hypertension. The decision also granted service connection for right ear hearing loss disability.

The Board has remanded the cases due to new evidence being added to the record and the Veteran's request for AOJ initial consideration.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional medical opinions regarding his claimed disabilities, including whether they are related to service. The issues of service connection have been remanded without a determination on the merits.

The Board denied a compensable rating for the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, finding that his hearing acuity did not meet the criteria for any higher rating under VA regulations.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and in-service noise exposure. The case will be reviewed with additional medical examination.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that his current disability is etiologically related to in-service noise exposure. The decision resolves all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.