Hearing loss decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of new evidence, including VA and private medical records.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated at 10 percent, but does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on his audiometric test results and speech discrimination scores.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher disability rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and an updated examination.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is not service connected and a compensable rating is denied.,Service connection for the back disorder was previously denied due to lack of evidence linking it to active duty service. The claim has been reopened but new evidence does not establish a relationship with service, thus denial remains.,Service connection for the skin disorder (claimed as rash) and spot on the liver have not been established based on exposure to toxic herbicide agents or any other theory of service connection.,Acid reflux is not service connected and no further theories of service connection are applicable.

The Veteran's service-connected sensorineural hearing loss disability is being remanded for a new medical examination to assess the current level of severity.

The Board has determined that additional examinations and opinions are needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate previous medical opinions.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether these conditions are related to military service.

The Board dismissed all claims on appeal due to the Veteran's authorized representative requesting withdrawal of all appeals prior to the decision.

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

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and PTSD. The Veteran's claims were previously denied but new evidence was submitted to reopen the claim for PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional development and medical opinions.

The Veteran's tinnitus and PTSD are rated at their maximum levels, with a TDIU granted due to the severity of his service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to inconsistencies in addresses and living arrangements, as well as potential issues with service connection for various conditions. The appellant's status as a surviving spouse must be determined first before any other claims can proceed.

The Board denied a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current level of disability does not warrant such a rating based on VA examination results and medical evidence.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss as there was no evidence of a current disability meeting VA criteria, and the Veteran did not have in-service acoustic trauma or a nexus to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran served as an aircraft maintenance specialist, which is known for high noise exposure during service.

The Board has granted service connection for hearing loss and pseudofolliculitis barbae, but denied service connection for a neck disorder. The Veteran's hearing loss is related to service exposure to loud sounds in the military. His pseudofolliculitis barbae is also related to service. However, there is no conclusive evidence linking his current neck disorder to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence on whether his psychiatric condition, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, hepatitis C, and chronic skin condition are related to his military service. The claims will be reviewed again with a focus on determining if these conditions preexisted service or were aggravated by it.

The Board denied service connection for degenerative joint disease of the right foot, left foot, and ulcerative colitis.,The Board granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining records of the Veteran's mental health treatment and providing an opinion on whether his service-connected conditions contributed to his death. The issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as for PTSD, are also pending.