Hearing loss decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for service-connected bilateral hearing loss have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating at any point during the appeal period.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were denied as not related to service.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied because the preponderance of evidence did not show a nexus between current hearing loss and in-service noise exposure.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, left shoulder disorder, right shoulder disorder, and acquired psychiatric disorder due to inadequate opinions in previous VA examinations. The Veteran is required to provide additional evidence regarding his periods of Active Duty for Training (ACDUTRA) and Inactive Duty for Training (INACDUTRA).

The Board has decided to remand the case due to lack of substantial compliance with previous remand directives regarding the issue of service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's lay statements and objective evidence from his military service are not adequately addressed in the VA examination report.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated at 40 percent prior to September 11, 2020. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,Service connection for COPD has been denied as the evidence does not support a finding that the condition began during service or is otherwise related to an in-service injury.

The Board has decided to remand the case for a VA opinion regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities can be classified as residuals of organic disease or injury, which could affect his eligibility for SAH.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and verifying specific dates of active duty training. The VA will also seek a supplemental opinion regarding the etiology of hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as foot disabilities.

The Veteran's hearing loss disability, rated as noncompensable (0 percent), has not improved and continues to result in no more than Level I hearing acuity in the right ear and no worse than Level II hearing acuity in the left ear. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted for this period.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and denied it. The claim for service connection for sleep apnea is remanded due to inadequate medical opinion.

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 evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether these conditions were caused by acoustic trauma during service.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's preexisting conditions did not worsen during his active duty service.,There is no evidence of a nexus between current tinnitus and military noise exposure.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus and plantar fasciitis with left heel spur disability is granted a 50% rating, effective from June 26, 2015. The Veteran also received a grant of total disability due to individual unemployability.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence and a need for an in-person VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hearing loss was denied due to lack of a current disability, but the appeal has been reopened.,Service connection for loss of use of reproductive organ and erectile dysfunction were granted as they are related to his military service.

The Veteran's peripheral vestibular disorder (vertigo), bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus are rated at 100% effective May 31, 2011. An initial rating of 70% for a mood disorder is granted. A separate 20% rating for left knee semilunar cartilage condition is granted.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current hearing loss did not manifest to a compensable degree within one year of his service and was not related to in-service noise exposure.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to incomplete medical opinions regarding their etiology.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate compliance with previous remand instructions. The Veteran's hearing loss disability is being evaluated for its impact on occupational and daily activities.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is not considered to be of sufficient severity for a compensable rating.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss. The remaining issues of left knee, right knee, allergic rhinitis, sleep apnea, skin disability, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus have been remanded due to the need for additional examinations and medical opinions.