Hearing loss decisions — 2021

The Veteran's hearing loss, right index finger scar, and lumbosacral strain have increased in severity since his last VA examinations. The Board has ordered remand for the Veteran to be provided with new VA examinations to determine the current severity of these conditions.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss was not found to meet the criteria for a disability under VA regulations, thus his claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is granted as incurred during service, based on direct service connection due to in-service acoustic trauma and continuous symptoms since separation.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected left ear hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and translations.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for service-connected bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for updated VA treatment records and an adequate audiological examination.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy. The claims are based on direct service connection due to the Veteran's active duty service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to the need for a VA examination to confirm whether he has a current diagnosis of bilateral hearing loss for VA purposes.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability has increased in severity since his last VA examination, and he needs to be scheduled for a new one. The current rating remains unchanged as the appeal is about service connection merits.

The Veteran's claim for initial compensable evaluations for left ear hearing loss prior to May 7, 2013 and bilateral hearing loss beginning May 7, 2013 is denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings for left and right shoulder impingement syndrome, as well as service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The remand is due to insufficient VA examinations in the original decision.

The Veteran's left ear hearing acuity is currently at Level II, which does not warrant a compensable rating. The Board finds no reason to question the Veteran's self-reported functional impairment and it is encompassed by the assigned 0 percent rating.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's hearing loss and in-service noise exposure. The case will be sent back for further examination and a new opinion.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional examinations and opinions to determine the current severity of his bilateral hearing loss, including any psychiatric impairment. The TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is granted as service connection due to in-service noise exposure.,The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connection due to in-service noise exposure and continuity of symptomatology since service.,The Veteran's left knee strain is granted as service connection due to an in-service injury.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss must be remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is remanded for a current VA examination to determine if it has worsened since the last examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and examinations. Specifically, he needs updated VA treatment records, Workers' Compensation records, and a new examination to determine if his back condition, hearing loss, and tinnitus are related to his military service.

The claim for service connection of bilateral hearing loss is reopened and granted. The case is remanded to determine the current severity of radiation proctitis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was caused by noise exposure during active service and is continuous since separation from service, granting service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and OSA due to conflicting medical opinions and lack of clear evidence.