Hearing loss decisions — 2020

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is currently rated as 0 percent disabling due to Level I hearing impairment, which does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's initial compensable disability rating for left ear hearing loss is remanded due to the lack of recent VA and private treatment records, as well as a need for a new VA examination.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including those for obstructive sleep apnea, right ear hearing loss, left ear hearing loss, psychiatric disabilities, cervical spine disability, right shoulder disability, nasal fracture residuals, left hand disability, right knee disability, left knee disability, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, headache, sinus disability, tinnitus, and erectile dysfunction. The Board also remanded the issue of an initial compensable rating for herpes simplex.

The Board has remanded several issues related to service connection for various conditions, including hearing loss and PTSD. The Veteran's current disability ratings remain unchanged.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the reduction of his hearing loss rating from 60% to noncompensable effective September 1, 2014.

The Veteran's appeals for right shoulder disability, forehead basal cell carcinoma, bilateral hand disorder, mouth disorder, and bilateral hearing loss have been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal.,Service connection for a sleep disorder has also been dismissed as there is no current diagnosis or evidence linking it to service.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and denied the Veteran's request for an earlier effective date for his PTSD rating. The issue of a remanded effective date for the 50 percent PTSD rating is pending.

The Veteran's claims for left ear hearing loss and right wrist carpal tunnel syndrome have been denied as there is no current disability found. The Veteran’s claim of service connection for status post-surgical removal of bilateral gynecomastia with elective cosmetic surgical revision has been remanded due to insufficient medical evidence.,The VA examiner will be asked to determine if the preexisting bilateral gynecomastia was permanently increased in severity during active service.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and remanded the issue of initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss.

The claim for service connection for fibromyalgia is granted with an effective date of February 10, 2017. The other claims remain denied.

The Board has remanded the claims of tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss due to new evidence showing good cause for rescheduling a VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, but denied service connection for a lumbar spine condition (claimed as back-herniated discs).

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, back disability, OSA, and erectile dysfunction due to lack of evidence supporting these conditions. The Veteran's current disabilities are not related to his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hearing loss disability, finding that his current hearing loss did not have its onset in service or is otherwise related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and restrictive lung disease with asbestosis due to a lack of recent examinations and treatment records.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss and has remanded the issue of throat cancer, including as due to exposure to herbicide agents. The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is found to be related to his military noise exposure. Service connection for throat cancer remains in dispute.

The Board has denied reopening of claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, left knee condition, and back disability due to lack of new and material evidence. The right knee medial meniscectomy with degenerative joint disease claim is remanded.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's diagnosed conditions and for obtaining additional treatment records.

The Board has granted a TDIU from October 29, 2007 and remanded the SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to the inadequacy of a previous VA examination. A new examination is needed.