Hearing loss decisions — 2021

The Board denied service connection for right ear hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the evidence did not establish a nexus to service.,Service connection was not granted as there is no evidence of onset in service or continuity since service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is not related to in-service noise exposure, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied as the audiometric evaluations do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board denied a compensable rating for the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, finding that his audiometric test results did not meet the criteria for such at any time during the appeal period.

The Board has remanded the case due to an error in the August 2019 decision, which relied on the negative nexus opinion of the August 2018 examiner. The new VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's left ear hearing loss is related to his in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected adjustment disorder is granted a 50% evaluation throughout the appeal period. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss and an increased rating for back disability are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for hearing loss, hernia residuals, lumbar spine DDD, sciatic radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities are all remanded due to incomplete development. The TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for hearing loss, tinnitus, gynecological disability, and dizziness/lightheadedness due to service-connected hypertension. The Veteran's symptoms have been noted since service, and there is a need for further medical examination and opinion.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, but has remanded the issue of an initial disability rating in excess of 30 percent for interstitial lung disease, asbestosis.

The Veteran's left knee patellofemoral syndrome with degenerative arthritis is rated at 10 percent, and his instability is also rated at 10 percent. The Veteran's bilateral pes planus remains rated at 10 percent, but the Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss disabilities due to a lack of an in-person examination. The Veteran was unable to attend the originally scheduled examination and requested another one at her local VA audiology clinic, which could not be arranged.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, due to herbicide exposure in Thailand. Service connection was denied for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus as these conditions are not related to military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions have been denied. The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for asthma, bilateral hearing loss, benign chest tumor, pinched nerve of the left arm, left knee disability, and stress ulcer.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's symptoms began during service and have been continuous since. The decision is based on the presumption of chronicity due to exposure to loud noise (acoustic trauma) in service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of entitlement to an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities. The Veteran is required to provide information about his employment history, including names, addresses, and contact information of former employers, as well as any accommodations provided by his employer(s) related to his service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the cases of bilateral hearing loss and hypertension due to incomplete audiogram results, lack of in-service diagnosis for hypertension, and insufficient medical opinions. The Veteran's service records indicate exposure to noise during service which may have contributed to his current conditions.

The Veteran's asthma is granted service connection and rated at a noncompensable level.,A scar on the right fourth finger, causing numbness and pain, is granted a 10% rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss is not related to his military service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear hearing loss but denied service connection for the Veteran's claimed throat condition (acute strep throat/pharyngitis and peritonsillar abscess).

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence and a need for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and audiometric testing.