Hearing loss decisions — 2021

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (bilateral hearing loss, back disability, and tinnitus) prevent him from securing and following a substantial gainful occupation. The Board has granted an extraschedular TDIU based on these conditions.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the evidence did not support a link between the Veteran's current hearing loss and his military service. The Board also found no secondary service connection based on tinnitus.

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

The Board has remanded the cases for further examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and hypertension, as there is insufficient evidence to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss disability and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The Veteran needs to provide updated VA audiogram results, including those from July 2016 and July 2019.

The Veteran's request for an initial compensable rating for his scar, right foot laceration was denied.,The Veteran's claim of service connection for left ear hearing loss is remanded due to insufficient medical opinion and need for updated VA treatment records.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and remanded the issue of service connection for an eye disability.

The Board has granted service connection for a deviated septum and denied an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss. The issues of increased ratings for left and right ankle disabilities, bilateral plantar fasciitis, sinusitis, and allergic rhinitis are remanded due to the need for additional medical records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left ear hearing loss existed prior to his service and was not aggravated during service, thus denying service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for right ear hearing loss, finding that his current hearing loss did not meet VA standards and was not aggravated by service.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss and a cognitive/comprehension disorder (claimed as hearing loss) due to exposure to jet fuel. The claims are inextricably intertwined, requiring additional examinations.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and its relation to service. The claim is being returned for further development.

The Board has decided that the Veteran is entitled to a TDIU beginning December 14, 2016 due to his service-connected PTSD and other disabilities. The issue of entitlement to a TDIU before December 14, 2016 is remanded for further review.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a new VA examination and etiology opinion regarding the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to a lack of evidence showing the condition was incurred or aggravated during active duty. The Veteran's assertions regarding in-service noise exposure are not supported by contemporaneous medical records, and his current hearing loss is not considered related to service.,The Board has remanded the issue of service connection for prostate cancer, finding that there may be a nexus between the Veteran's reported exposure to chemical defoliants during active duty and his current condition. The Veteran must undergo a VA examination to determine if his prostate cancer is at least as likely as not related to service.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and granted a 10% evaluation for right hand fracture. The Veteran's right-hand condition is rated under Diagnostic Code 5228, while his hearing loss does not meet the criteria for VA compensation.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's service connection claim for bilateral hearing loss. The examiner is asked to determine if the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is related to in-service noise exposure, including his use of an M16 rifle and exposure to munitions fire during Desert Storm.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to lack of VA examination and the need for new evidence. His skin cancer is already service connected.

The Board has found that there was not substantial compliance with its previous remand instructions and has therefore ordered the case to be returned for further development.

The Veteran's hearing loss is rated as Level III in the right ear and Level II in the left ear, resulting in a noncompensable rating. The Board denied an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss.