Hearing loss decisions — 2020

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and shoulder conditions, did not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to February 12, 2020. His combined rating was at least 60% from August 19, 2009 through January 18, 2020.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that there is no medical evidence showing a link between his hearing loss and military service or secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is a result of his active service, and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate examination and issues regarding the Veteran's reports of past treatment for hearing loss.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is granted as secondary to his service-connected PTSD. A 70% rating for PTSD is granted, and the Veteran is granted TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities. Service connection for erectile dysfunction is also granted. The Board remanded the issues of hypertension and hearing loss.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has been rated at 30 percent since the appeal period began. The VA examiner found that his hearing impairment did not meet criteria for an exceptional pattern of hearing loss, resulting in a 10% rating for each ear combined under Table VII (DC 6100). The Board denied the claim as there was no evidence of sustained improvement.

The Veteran is denied service connection for a bilateral hearing loss disability due to lack of current evidence meeting VA criteria.,Service connection granted for tinnitus, with the Board finding it at least as likely as not that the condition had its onset during ACDUTRA.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and remanded the issues of service connection for various joint disabilities. The case is being returned to the RO for further examination and consideration.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss but denied service connection for left ear hearing loss and left eye disorder.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated at 10 percent, effective from May 2, 2014. The claim for an increased rating was denied.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated at 40 percent prior to October 29, 2020 and denied for a rating in excess of 50 percent thereafter.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's appeals for service connection for headaches and an increased rating for hearing loss, as well as his claims for bilateral hip and knee disabilities. The AOJ is directed to complete further development including obtaining updated VA treatment records, requesting private care providers to provide evidence, scheduling a VA examination, and readjudicating the claims.

The Board has denied service connection for a low back disorder and remanded the remaining issues. The case is being returned to the RO for further development.

The Veteran's claim for eligibility for specially adapted housing and financial assistance for automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment, or for adaptive equipment only is granted. The claim for a special home adaptation grant is dismissed due to the addition of new VA treatment records since the last SSOC was issued in April 2020.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to obtain or maintain gainful employment, and his TDIU claim is denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for entitlement to service connection for the cause of death and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) due to additional development being needed. The Veteran died from cardiac arrest due to atherosclerosis with pleural effusion as a significant condition contributing to death.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, degenerative arthritis of the neck, sleep disorder (including narcolepsy and sleep apnea), PTSD, neurodermatitis, and TDIU due to incomplete development and lack of consideration of recent VA treatment records.

The Veteran's service-connected right ear hearing loss, left foot hallux valgus, and GERD have been granted ratings of 10 percent throughout the period on appeal.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for his left ear hearing loss disability, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on the current severity of his condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for further review of the Veteran's claim for TDIU (total disability based upon individual unemployability) as a result of his service-connected disabilities, including pleural plaques and degenerative arthritis of the spine.