Hearing loss decisions — 2021

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's left ear hearing loss. The Veteran is seeking service connection for this condition, which was not addressed in the previous decision.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a noninitial compensable rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss, finding that the evidence did not support a higher disability rating.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a 100% rating from April 25, 2018. The Board finds that an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to the need for updated VA examination records. Service connection for any heart disorder and both hand disorders are also remanded as they may be related to service-connected PTSD or other factors.

The Board dismissed the appeal because the appellant died during the pendency of the hearing, and thus has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this case.

The Veteran's appeal for a TDIU is dismissed as the benefit has been granted. The claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to inadequate medical opinions.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is rated at a noncompensable level prior to October 31, 2019. Effective October 31, 2019, the Veteran is granted a 10% rating for his bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have prevented him from obtaining and maintaining a substantially gainful occupation since October 21, 2017. The Board has granted total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) effective that date.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's right ear hearing loss, considering recent research on auditory damage and its effects.

The Board has denied service connection for left ear hearing loss and remanded the issue of service connection for a left hip condition, to include as due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial disability rating for bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling an examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for erectile dysfunction as secondary to his service-connected disabilities, including medication, and for special monthly compensation based on a higher need for aid and attendance. The case is being returned to the VA for further examination and analysis.

Service connection is granted for tinnitus. The case of bilateral hearing loss is remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to in-service noise exposure. A new VA examination is needed to determine if these conditions are related to his military service.

The Board denied service connection for right ear hearing loss, left ear hearing loss, and tinnitus due to lack of evidence showing a nexus between the conditions and active duty service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is service-connected, with the benefit of doubt resolved in favor of the Veteran.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, granted service connection for tinnitus, and denied service connection for vertigo (claimed as secondary to bilateral hearing loss).

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for left ear sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus due to a need for new nexus opinions addressing in-service noise exposure, including from the 2006 Institute of Medicine report on delayed-onset hearing loss and the Veteran's own study related to tinnitus.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's service connection claim for bilateral hearing loss is denied, and remanded for further development. The PTSD rating and TDIU claims are also remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found no current respiratory disability, hearing loss of the right ear, or right ankle disability. The Veteran also did not have a current acquired psychiatric disorder, left knee disability, right knee disability, tinnitus, right index finger metacarpal fracture, left ear hearing loss disability, positive tuberculosis skin test, hypertension, hemorrhoids, scars of the right knee, left ankle, and tailbone, or hidradenitis suppurativa. The Veteran's TBI claim was granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to concerns about the adequacy of the July 2020 opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's right ear hearing loss. The examiner is instructed to address a relevant article from the CDC and consider all in-service noise exposure.