Hearing loss decisions — 2021

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus were not service-connected as they did not manifest within one year of discharge from active duty, and there is no evidence of in-service injury or disease. The left knee disability was also not service-connected due to lack of evidence of an in-service injury or disease.,There is insufficient evidence linking the Veteran's current hearing loss and tinnitus disabilities to his military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete medical records, specifically a missing audiogram at service separation. The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss disorder is being returned to the RO for further action.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and has remanded the issues of service connection for hearing loss and liver condition due to in-service exposure at Camp Lejeune.

The Board has decided to remand the cases of bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to insufficient examination in determining their relationship with service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss did not have its onset during or is etiologically related to military service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied an increased rating for left ear hearing loss, finding that the evidence did not show symptoms warranting a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection.,Service connection for hypertension and right ear hearing loss were granted, but the effective dates are denied.,An initial compensable rating of 10% is granted for hypertension.,Service connection for left ear hearing loss is remanded.,An initial compensable rating for right ear hearing loss is also remanded.

The Veteran's initial evaluation for bilateral hearing loss is denied as his condition does not warrant an evaluation in excess of 40 percent.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss and left ear hearing loss, finding that the Veteran was exposed to noise during service which aggravated his pre-existing hearing loss.,For tinnitus, the Board found that the Veteran's in-service exposure to noise likely caused his condition.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss. The preponderance of evidence is against finding that these conditions began during active service or are otherwise related to an in-service injury, event, or disease.

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

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss and obstructive sleep apnea are being remanded for further evaluation.,The cause of the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is also being evaluated to determine if it is related to his service-connected psychiatric disorder or other factors.,The issue of a disability rating in excess of 50 percent for an acquired psychiatric disorder prior to July 10, 2019, and entitlement to a TDIU prior to March 16, 2021, is also being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.,The issue of a TDIU prior to March 16, 2021, remains on appeal as part of the increased rating claim.

The Veteran's initial rating for cervical spine disability is denied, and his right arm disability remains remanded. Bilateral hearing loss has been granted subject to further development.

For the period of the claim prior to September 19, 2014, the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was rated at 10 percent.,From September 19, 2014, the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was rated at 60 percent.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is granted as service connected. The cases for skin disorder and chronic fatigue are remanded due to the need for additional development regarding exposure to herbicides.

The Board has denied reopening the claim for service connection of diabetes mellitus due to lack of new and material evidence. The hearing loss claim is remanded as the Veteran testified that his hearing loss had worsened since the last VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is related to his active service, specifically noise exposure.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss, right hip strain (trochanteric bursitis), left hip strain (trochanteric bursitis), and obstructive sleep apnea. The claim for service connection for left ankle degenerative arthritis was denied as the evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether it had its onset in service.

The Board has decided to remand the claims of service connection for colon cancer, bilateral foot disability, bilateral hearing loss, and low back disability due to outstanding private treatment records. The Veteran is requested to submit or authorize release of any relevant private treatment records.

The Veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection as it began in service and has continued to the present. However, his bilateral hearing loss did not meet VA criteria for a disability, thus denying service connection.