Hearing loss decisions — 2020

The Board denied service connection for hearing loss disability of the right ear, finding that it preexisted service and was not aggravated beyond its natural progression during any period of service.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, lumbar spine disability, hepatitis C, and headaches due to incomplete records. The Veteran's service connection claims are pending.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability was evaluated as zero percent (noncompensable) due to the audiometric findings not meeting the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were denied as they did not onset during or within one year of service, nor are they related to an injury, disease, or event in service. The Board found that the Veteran's current hearing loss disability is less likely due to noise exposure in service.

The Board denied an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current ratings are appropriate based on his audiometric test results.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, unspecified joint pain, pre-diabetes, seborrheic keratosis (claimed as skin lesions), and bilateral hearing loss have all been denied. The Board found no evidence of a current disability or a link to the Veteran's active duty service.

The Board denied service connection for right ear hearing loss, finding that the evidence did not support a link between the condition and military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to inadequate medical opinions provided in previous examinations.

The Board has granted reconsideration of the previously denied claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, a left leg disability manifested by pain and swelling, PTSD, a skin condition, and a disability manifested by pain and swelling of the leg (characterized as cellulitis).

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (prostate cancer residuals, PTSD, diabetes mellitus, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus) have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since July 30, 2012.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated at 60 percent from August 20, 2015. The Board denied a higher rating for this period.

The Board has found the VA medical opinion inadequate for adjudicative purposes and remanded the claims due to lack of substantial compliance with its prior remand.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have caused them to require the regular aid and attendance of another person, which is granted for special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance (SMC A&A) effective November 1, 2013.

The Board has previously remanded the Veteran’s appeal twice. The AOJ did not substantially comply with the May 2020 Board remand directives, and another remand is warranted as the VA opinion of record does not comply with the May 2020 Board remand directives.

The Veteran's claim for a non-initial compensable rating for service-connected bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are remanded for further examination to determine their etiology.,The Veteran's sleep apnea is remanded for a VA examination to determine its relationship to his service-connected PTSD.,The Veteran's hypertension and colon polyps are remanded due to the need for additional medical evidence regarding herbicide exposure.,The Veteran's GERD, Barrett’s esophagus, gall bladder removal, left foot disability, right foot disability, eye disability (diabetic retinopathy), and kidney stones are remanded for a VA examination to determine their relationship to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has granted service connection for onychomycosis (toenail fungus) and TMD (teeth grinding), but denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The claim for a chronic cough or respiratory condition is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied as his audiometric test results do not meet the specific pure tone thresholds percentages required for a compensable rating.

The Board denied a compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current disability level does not warrant such an increase.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right ear hearing loss due to incomplete records from a private audiogram in 1972.