Hearing loss decisions — 2021

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection due to possible worsening of his conditions since previous examinations. The right ear hearing loss claim is also remanded as it is intertwined with the left ear hearing loss disability claim.

The Veteran's initial claim for service connection for a bilateral ear condition was denied due to lack of evidence. The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling a VA examination for TBI residuals.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss and service connection for a lumbar spine disability were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support granting a compensable rating for hearing loss or establishing service connection for the lumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss, diabetes mellitus, tinnitus, and peripheral neuropathy, rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board granted a TDIU based on the combined evaluation of his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss had its onset in service and the Board granted service connection for this condition.

The Board denied service connection for hearing loss in the right ear, finding no probative evidence of a permanent increase in pre-existing hearing loss during service.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary for the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a low back disorder. The case is being remanded to obtain VA audiological testing results, clarify the etiology of any current low back disorders, and determine if there is a relationship between the claimed conditions and in-service events.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, hypertension, a low back disability, a left knee disability (secondary to a low back disability), obstructive sleep apnea, genital herpes, and hypertriglyceridemia.,There is no evidence of in-service onset or continuity of symptoms since service for any of the conditions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right ear loss and a disability evaluation in excess of 10 percent for left ear hearing loss, finding that his hearing impairment does not meet the criteria for compensation under VA regulations.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is not service-connected. The decision is being remanded due to insufficient evidence in the previous VA audiological evaluation and lack of lay testimony from the Veteran.

The Board has determined that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is related to active duty service, and thus grants the claim for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, but the other issues related to bilateral hearing loss, left knee disability, right knee disability, lumbar spine disability, and acquired psychiatric disorder (generalized anxiety disorder) are remanded due to failure to report for VA examinations.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully and fairly consider the appellant's claims, including obtaining his complete SSA file and VA treatment records. The appeal will be remanded for these purposes.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for a bilateral hearing loss disability. The Veteran's tinnitus claim is also remanded due to inadequate VA medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete audiometry testing records from March and May 2016 at the Hampton VAMC. The Veteran's hearing loss condition must be re-evaluated with these test results.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted for the period prior to November 19, 2018 due to his service-connected disabilities preventing him from securing and maintaining gainful employment.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is related to his military service. The case is being remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's appeal for a compensable rating for hearing loss has been dismissed due to his death prior to a final decision.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee degenerative joint disease and remanded the issues of entitlement to bilateral hearing loss and secondary service connection for left knee degenerative joint disease.