Hearing loss decisions — 2021

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss and TDIU due to incomplete information provided by the Veteran. The AOJ is instructed to schedule a VA examination for the right ear hearing loss claim, provide a well-reasoned medical opinion, and request additional employment history from the Veteran.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder, hearing loss, and tinnitus, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU based on these conditions.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss has been rated as noncompensable, and the Board denied an initial compensable rating for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for erectile dysfunction, hypertension, bilateral hearing loss, lumbar spine disability, knee disabilities, postoperative left inguinal hernia repair residuals, right shoulder disability, and left hip disability are all denied as the evidence does not support a compensable rating under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's service connection claims for right and left knee trauma residuals are granted. The initial compensable rating claim for bilateral hearing loss since June 28, 2016 is denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to non-compliance with previous remand directives and additional development is needed.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss as there is no evidence of a current disability meeting VA criteria.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has been rated as zero percent disabling throughout the appeal period. The Board found that the evidence did not warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's knee disabilities, hepatitis C, and arthritis of the lower extremities are all granted as service-connected.,However, his bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and PVD remain in dispute and need further examination.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) and chronic nonsuppurative otitis media. The Veteran's private DBQs indicate a diagnosis of ETD, which was officially diagnosed in 2006. The VA examiner opined that this condition is less likely than not incurred in or caused by service.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected.,The Veteran’s GERD may be related to his military service and exposure to chemicals in service. Further examination and opinion are needed.,The Veteran's back disability may be related to his military service and exposure to chemicals in service. Further examination and opinion are needed.,The Veteran's bilateral knee disability may be related to his military service and exposure to chemicals in service. Further examination and opinion are needed.,The Veteran's neck disability may be related to his military service and exposure to chemicals in service. Further examination and opinion are needed.,The Veteran's right elbow disability may be related to his military service and exposure to chemicals in service. Further examination and opinion are needed.,Further examination and opinion are needed for the Veteran’s bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has dismissed the appeal for service connection of bilateral hearing loss as the RO has already granted it and assigned effective dates.

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

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as secondary to service-connected adjustment disorder with anxiety. The left ear hearing loss claim is denied, and the right foot, left foot, right knee, and TDIU issues are remanded.

The Board denied an extraschedular evaluation for bilateral hearing loss prior to February 26, 2020 and in excess of 20 percent thereafter. The Veteran's symptoms were found to be adequately addressed by the existing rating criteria.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss prior to November 25, 2019 was denied. The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for bilateral hearing loss from November 25, 2019 was also denied.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal. The Board also remanded the issue of service connection for concussion(s) for further action.

The Board has remanded the case due to inconsistencies in the medical opinions provided and the need for further development of the record.

The Board has found that more development is necessary prior to final adjudication of the claims on appeal, including obtaining an opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's heart disorder. The cause of death claim and the DIC claim are inextricably intertwined.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his exposure to loud noise during military service.