Hearing loss decisions — 2020

The Veteran's PTSD was granted at a 70% rating from July 19, 2018 to July 19, 2019. Bilateral hearing loss and other conditions were not granted ratings higher than the current ones. The cases of low back disability, left leg disability, and hypertension are pending.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether these conditions are related to service. The decision is based on direct service connection due to noise exposure during active duty.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection and increased ratings has been dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated as noncompensable, and his HNP of the lumbar spine is rated at 20 percent. The TDIU claim is denied.,The Veteran’s HNP of the lumbar spine does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on incapacitating episodes or under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine, as his range of motion is within the limits that warrant a 20 percent rating. The Veteran's pain and functional limitations are considered in determining the appropriate disability rating.,The primary factor in denying the higher ratings was the lack of evidence showing more than the current level of impairment.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for bilateral hearing loss as it is insufficiently supported by evidence and an adequate VA examination is needed.

The Board has remanded the claims for right and left shoulder disabilities due to a lack of current medical evidence. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss claim is reopened and granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a cervical spine disability and a compensable rating for right ear hearing loss, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for left ear hearing loss is remanded due to the need for additional VA and private treatment records.

The Board has found that there was not substantial compliance with the remand instructions and has therefore ordered a new examination to determine if the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to service.

The Veteran's hearing acuity showed Level I impairment bilaterally, which does not warrant a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD and a TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The AOJ is instructed to arrange for VA examinations to assess the current severity of the Veteran’s PTSD, type II diabetes mellitus, and bilateral hearing loss, as well as verify his employment history.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus has been granted.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for melanoma, bilateral hearing loss, a respiratory condition (previously evaluated as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), and an acquired psychiatric disorder including depression and memory loss are remanded due to the need for additional development.

Your appeals for service connection for psoriasis and a higher rating for bilateral hearing loss have been dismissed as they were closed when you opted into the RAMP program.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is related to his military service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the claims for bilateral ear hearing loss, right hip condition, and left knee condition need further development due to incomplete or unclear VA examination reports. The Veteran's service connection claims are being remanded for additional examinations and opinions.

The Board has denied service connection for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, but granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities as well as bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.,Service connection was granted for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities due to their secondary nature to the Veteran's service-connected bladder cancer.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and low back disability due to a lack of evidence showing the disabilities were incurred in or aggravated by military service.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, finding that it is related to his in-service noise exposure and service-connected tinnitus.

The Board has remanded the case due to an unclear VA examination report, and a new VA examination is needed to determine if hearing loss is related to in-service noise exposure.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to a lack of substantial compliance with its previous remand instructions. The case is now pending for an addendum VA medical opinion that addresses all evidence of record, including the Veteran's reports of in-service and post-service noise exposure.