Hearing loss decisions — 2020

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further action regarding his claim of service connection for eczema due to herbicide agent exposure. The remaining issues are related to the increased ratings and new disability rating for PTSD.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for sleep apnea and bilateral hearing loss due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran needs a VA examination to determine if his conditions are related to service, specifically PTSD.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss as the Veteran did not have a current disability that meets VA criteria, and there was no evidence of in-service noise exposure or hearing loss.

The Veteran's appeal includes whether a rating in excess of 40 percent prior to November 1, 2015, and in excess of 20 percent thereafter is warranted for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss; as well as the propriety of the reduction from 40 percent to 20 percent effective November 1, 2015. The Board finds that a remand is necessary to ensure an adequate record upon which to decide the Veteran's claim.

The Board has determined that another medical opinion is necessary to adjudicate the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, as the current VA examination was incomplete.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss, asbestosis, tinnitus, adenocarcinoma of the cecal colon, and bronchiectasis, render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of these conditions, particularly concerning the preexisting left ear hearing loss.

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

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was evaluated as Level II in the right ear and Level III in the left ear, resulting in a noncompensable rating. The Board denied an increased evaluation for his bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for left knee laxity and limitation of motion were denied, as the evidence did not show more than slight instability or flexion impairment. The appeal for SMC based on need for aid and attendance was also denied due to insufficient evidence showing that he required regular assistance.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, but has remanded the issue of service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to additional development being needed.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was rated at 80 percent from January 8, 2018 through August 20, 2018. The Board denied an increased rating exceeding this level.

The Veteran is granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and TMJ as secondary to his service-connected Hodgkin's disease.,Service connection has been established for these conditions based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss disability is granted as service-connected. The issues of service connection for left knee chondromalacia and right ear hearing loss are remanded.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that it is more likely than not due to noise exposure during his military service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for a compensable disability rating prior to July 21, 2016 and in excess of 10 percent thereafter for bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability is remanded for further examination and opinion. TDIU is also remanded as it may be related to his service-connected acquired psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions. The Veteran is not entitled to higher ratings for his migraine headaches or bilateral hearing loss, but his hip and knee disabilities are being reviewed further.

The Veteran's small hiatal hernia with dyspnea and bilateral hearing loss are being remanded for further evaluation. The VA will schedule the Veteran for examinations to assess the current severity of these conditions.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection. The hearing loss claim is remanded for further examination and determination of its etiology.

The Veteran's request for a compensable rating for his bilateral hearing loss disability is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.