Hearing loss decisions — 2020

The Board denied service connection for depression, anxiety, bilateral hearing loss, and lower back disorder. The Veteran's claims were based on direct evidence of the conditions rather than presumptive or other theories.

The Board has determined that the VA examiner's opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's hearing loss and his military service is inadequate due to a duty-to-assist error, and thus the case must be remanded for further development.

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

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance, as his non-service-connected conditions limit his ability to live independently.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus should be remanded due to inadequate VA examination opinions.

The Board denied attorney fees for past-due benefits from the July 2019 TDIU grant due to a lack of timely notice of disagreement (NOD) on the issue.

The Board denied service connection for a left knee disorder, but granted service connection for a right knee disorder and bilateral hearing loss.,Service connection was denied for tinnitus.

The Board has decided the service connection for left ear hearing loss in favor of the Veteran. The issues of service connection for right ear hearing loss and tinnitus are remanded due to a duty-to-assist error.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's exposure to loud noise in service is linked to his current conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been granted. The claim for tinnitus remains pending.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to missing service treatment records and an inadequate VA examination. The Veteran's hearing was normal at separation, but there may be missing records that need to be obtained. A new examination is needed to determine if his bilateral hearing loss had onset in service or within one year following separation.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are presumed to have been incurred in service. Service connection for vertigo was denied as there is no evidence of continuity of symptomatology since service.

The Board has remanded the cases of entitlement to a rating in excess of 30 percent for bilateral hearing loss and entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disability (TDIU) due to the need for further development.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete examinations and a need for further development regarding the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's appeal is for a higher rating for bilateral hearing loss from September 27, 2016 to December 4, 2019. The Board has decided that the effective date of service connection should be determined and remanded for further action.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and service.

The Board has decided that a remand is necessary to address the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, as the current opinion does not adequately consider the Veteran's contentions and service history.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability was rated as non-compensable from June 22, 2015 to April 22, 2018. The Veteran is seeking an increased rating for this period.,For the period after April 22, 2018, the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability has not been rated higher than 40 percent.

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

The Veteran's service connection claim for a scar residual of a left arm vaccination is granted. The right wrist disability and tinnitus cases are denied, with the right wrist case being remanded due to insufficient evidence.,Service connection for a right knee disability and bilateral hearing loss remains pending as additional examination and medical opinions are needed.