Hearing loss decisions — 2021

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has been rated as noncompensable since June 11, 2012. The Board has found that the evidence does not support a higher rating at any point during the appeal period. Additionally, the claim for TDIU is remanded due to an incomplete supplemental statement of the case.

The claims of service connection for low back disability, hearing loss disability, and sleep apnea have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not establish a direct relationship between these conditions and service.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether these conditions are related to in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss claim has been denied as his disability does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.,The left knee, right hip, left foot, and back disorder claims are remanded due to incomplete development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae, sleep apnea, and sensorineural hearing loss. The Board also denied his requests for increased ratings for his lumbar spine disability and left lower extremity disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and inadequate examinations. The AOJ is instructed to obtain updated treatment records, request missing VA outpatient records, and schedule new medical examinations or obtain medical nexus opinions.

The Board has decided that the Veteran does not have a current bilateral hearing loss disability for VA purposes and denied his claim. The issues of entitlement to service connection for left knee meniscus tear status post arthroscopy and an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD and anxiety disorder) are remanded due to outstanding records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral eye disability, bilateral hearing loss, right shoulder disability, and left shoulder disability due to inadequate examination reports and lack of evidence regarding exposure to hazardous noise during service.

The Veteran's initial claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss prior to December 30, 2020 was denied. After December 30, 2020, the Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss resulted in a 10% disability rating. The Board also denied entitlement to TDIU prior to December 7, 2016.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between his in-service noise exposure and current hearing impairment.

The Veteran's skin disabilities, including dyshidrotic eczema and tinea versicolor, are currently rated at 10% since November 8, 2018. The Board has remanded the issue of service connection for a left knee disability and is granting a higher rating of 60% for his skin disabilities effective from November 8, 2018.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that there was no evidence of in-service noise exposure resulting in current hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating, as his audiometric test results do not indicate impairment severe enough to warrant such a rating.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that there is no evidence of a hearing disability during service or within one year after service. The Board also found that the current hearing loss did not start in service and was not related to military noise exposure.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for dysthymic disorder, right wrist disability, and bilateral hearing loss. The claim for increased rating for left wrist sprain is also remanded.

The appeal for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is dismissed as the benefit has already been granted. The claim for service connection for sleep apnea and earlier effective date for bilateral hearing loss are remanded.

The Board denied service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's claims were not supported by evidence showing a nexus between his current conditions and service.

The Veteran's hearing loss disability is being remanded due to his testimony indicating it has worsened since the last examination in January 2019. A new VA examination is needed to assess its current severity.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that there was no evidence to support a nexus between his current hearing loss and military service.

The Veteran's bilateral sensorineural hearing loss is granted as service-connected.,Service connection for chronic lymphocytic leukemia, presumed due to Agent Orange exposure, remains in dispute and requires further examination.