Hearing loss decisions — 2021

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including increased ratings for various conditions and a TDIU determination. The VA is instructed to obtain SSA records and readjudicate these matters.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to in-service noise exposure. The case is being sent back for an addendum medical opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the claimed disorder.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased evaluation of his service-connected bilateral hearing loss was dismissed because he withdrew the appeal and opted into the modernized review system under the Appeals Modernization Act (AMA).

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are remanded for further development.,The Veteran's tinnitus is remanded for further development.,The Veteran's respiratory disability (asthma, bronchitis, bronchospastic disease) is remanded due to potential exposure at Camp Lejeune. The psychiatric disability (PTSD, depression NOS, depressive disorder unspecified, anxiety NOS) is also remanded for a VA examination and opinion regarding service connection.,The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability is remanded for a VA examination and opinion regarding service connection.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has been rated as Level I, which corresponds to a noncompensable rating. The Board found that the evidence did not support an increase in disability rating for his hearing loss.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities, finding that his combined disability ratings did not meet the schedular requirements and there was insufficient evidence showing he is unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's candidiasis, bilateral hearing loss, and CAD have all been denied.,The Veteran's initial compensable rating for his bilateral hearing loss has also been denied.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is granted at an 80% rating, effective January 15, 2021. The Veteran's major depressive disorder and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities are denied.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms are manifested by depression, anxiety, and past suicidal thoughts. The Board has determined that a 70 percent evaluation is warranted for the Veteran's PTSD.,Service connection for tinnitus is granted as the evidence is in equipoise with respect to whether it was caused by military service.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for bilateral hearing loss disability has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, specifically whether it is related to service.

The Veteran's frontal headaches are rated at 30 percent prior to December 18, 2019 and at 50 percent thereafter. The Veteran is now in receipt of the maximum schedular rating for his service-connected frontal headaches. For bilateral hearing loss, he is granted a non-compensable disability rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to missing records and additional VA treatment records. The claims will be considered again after obtaining all relevant medical records.

The Veteran's hearing loss disability was granted a 10 percent rating from May 14, 2019 to April 21, 2021. A higher rating is denied as of April 21, 2021.

The Veteran's cellulitis claim for service connection was granted. The initial compensable rating claim for bilateral hearing loss, the increased rating claims for dermatitis and bronchitis, and the service connection claim for diabetes mellitus II were all denied.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral hearing loss has been denied as the evidence does not support a higher disability rating.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals on all issues related to his service connection claims due to a withdrawal of appeal by the Veteran.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for prostate cancer, erectile dysfunction, kidney disease, a distended or weakened bladder, cytomegalovirus, hypothyroidism, and rheumatoid arthritis were denied. The claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was granted.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinions and failure to address the Veteran's lay statements regarding her hearing loss.

The appeal for the increased rating claim for tinnitus has been dismissed. The appeals for service connection of bilateral foot disability, initial disability rating in excess 30 percent for coronary artery disease, status post myocardial infarction, and compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss are REMANDED.