Hearing loss decisions — 2021

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss have been granted. The Board found that the Veteran has current diagnoses of these conditions and established a link between his service and each condition.

The Veteran's initial compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied, and service connection for a lumbar disorder was also denied.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has been rated as noncompensable since 2010. The most recent VA examination in November 2016 showed Level I hearing impairment, which corresponds to a noncompensable rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and pulmonary fibrosis, as well as his claim of secondary service connection for sleep apnea. The VA is directed to obtain updated treatment records, schedule the Veteran for addendum medical opinions regarding his hearing loss and pulmonary fibrosis, and provide a VA examination if necessary.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, but has remanded the issue of service connection for hearing loss due to inadequate examination and reasoning.

The Board has remanded three issues: entitlement to a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, service connection for a sinus condition, and service connection for a skin condition. The Veteran's testimony suggests worsening of his conditions since the last examination, necessitating further evaluation. Additionally, exposure data indicates contaminated water sources and air contamination in Kyrgyzstan.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are at least as likely as not related to service, resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, right ear hearing loss, and tinnitus. The case is remanded to obtain additional opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's tinnitus.,Right ear hearing loss was noted at entry into service but not shown to have been aggravated during active duty.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for osteosarcoma, but has remanded several other claims due to lack of evidence or need for further examination.

The Board dismissed the issue of whether VA compensation benefits for the purpose of recouping active duty pay was proper due to the Veteran not filing a Substantive Appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus are etiologically related to acoustic trauma sustained during active service, and thus grants service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has not been found to warrant a compensable rating at any point during the appeal period.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss, finding that it is not related to his active duty service.

The Board denied service connection for left ear hearing loss as there is no current disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection, increased rating, and TDIU are remanded due to insufficient evidence in some cases.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that there is no evidence of a nexus between his current diagnosis and active service.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and type II diabetes mellitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his military service. The decision is based on presumptive exposure to herbicide agents (including Agent Orange) in Thailand during the Vietnam War era.

The Board has ordered a remand for an addendum VA medical opinion to determine if the Veteran had a hearing loss disability in August 1972 under VA guidelines. The case is currently pending and will be remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for allergic rhinitis and bilateral hearing loss have been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeals.,The Veteran's appeals for initial compensable disability ratings for chondromalacia patella syndrome (right knee) and tendonitis (left shoulder), as well as an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for migraines, chronic sinusitis, and adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood have been remanded due to the need for updated medical evidence and examinations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hearing loss, finding that there was no evidence linking his current hearing loss to his military service.