Hearing loss decisions — 2021

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss has been denied as his hearing impairment is currently rated at Level I in both ears, which corresponds to noncompensable disability. The Board found that the schedular evaluation adequately addresses the Veteran's level of disability and symptomatology.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss as there is no evidence of a current disability, and thus the preponderance of the evidence is against the claim.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left ear hearing loss and right knee degenerative joint disease have been granted. The Board found that the Veteran had in-service noise exposure, which is considered to be a disease incurred during service.

The Board has found that further development is needed for the Veteran's claims of PTSD, scarlet fever, and bilateral hearing loss due to outstanding records and the need for VA examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus did not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, resulting in the denial of his TDIU claim.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is granted as service-connected due to in-service noise exposure, with no presumption or secondary connection.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss, finding that these conditions began during military service.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for tinnitus, hearing loss, left knee disorder, and back disorder due to inadequate medical opinions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is due to noise exposure during active duty service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, claimed as PTSD. The Veteran submitted a new private psychiatric evaluation in July 2021 that diagnosed him with PTSD.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral tinnitus but has remanded the issue of service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's discharge from active military service is considered under other than honorable conditions due to being AWOL for over 180 days. The Board found no compelling circumstances warranting the prolonged absence, thus denying VA benefits.

The Veteran's tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss claims were denied, with a rating higher than 10 percent for tinnitus being denied. A compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was also denied.,An effective date prior to March 27, 2014, for service connection of tinnitus was denied.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee condition and bilateral hearing loss as they have already been granted in an earlier rating decision. The appeal is moot.

The Board has denied service connection for various conditions including right and left big toe disorders, right and left knee disorders, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss due to a lack of evidence showing these conditions were incurred or aggravated during active military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for right ear hearing loss, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability related to service and that the most probative evidence is against a finding that his current right ear hearing loss is caused by noise exposure during service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for headaches, sleep apnea, right upper extremity nervous disorder (to include radiculopathy), left upper extremity nervous disorder (to include radiculopathy), and right ear hearing loss due to potential undiagnosed illness related to service in Southwest Asia. The Veteran's current diagnoses of these conditions are unclear, and further medical opinions are needed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, lumbar spine disability, and right hip disability due to additional development being necessary.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, lumbar spine disability, headaches, major depressive disorder, and bilateral hearing loss have been remanded due to the need for additional evidence or examination.

The Veteran was granted service connection for right ear hearing loss and tinnitus, but denied service connection for a dental disorder (chipped tooth) and left ear hearing loss.,Service connection is granted for right ear hearing loss due to noise exposure during military service.