Hearing loss decisions — 2021

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus do not prevent him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for bilateral hearing loss was dismissed due to the death of the appellant. The issue remains on appeal as it has been partially granted with an increased rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for dyslipidemia is denied as it is not a disability under VA law and regulations.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, cervical spine strain, low back pain, degenerative joint diseases of the shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees, ankles, and feet, allergic rhinitis, peptic ulcer, diverticulosis, hiatal hernia, erectile dysfunction, benign prostate hyperplasia, memory disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and major depression are remanded for further development.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a total disability rating due to unemployability (TDIU) is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the above-mentioned issues.

The Board denied service connection for right ear hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current hearing loss did not manifest to a compensable degree within the applicable presumptive period and continuity of symptomatology was not established. The Board also found no evidence of acoustic trauma during service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a need for further examination and consideration of the relationship between the Veteran's service-connected tinnitus and his current bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss has been rated as noncompensable (0%) due to the presence of a Maryland CNC speech recognition score and pure tone thresholds that do not meet the criteria for compensable evaluation under VA rating criteria. The Board found no evidence of an exceptional pattern of hearing impairment or other service connection theory.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU prior to August 31, 2010 is being remanded due to insufficient evidence meeting the schedular criteria and a referral to VA’s Director of Compensation Service for extraschedular consideration.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right ear hearing loss disability, finding that he does not have current hearing loss disability in his right ear for VA purposes.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability has been rated at 20 percent since November 20, 2019. The Board denied an increased rating and found no evidence of exceptional factors that would render impractical the application of the regular schedular standards.

The Veteran's hearing acuity has been, at worst, Level II in the right ear and Level IV in the left ear. The Board finds that his bilateral hearing loss does not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of zero percent.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss. A new examination is required to determine if his hearing loss began during service or is related to noise exposure.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is granted as service-connected, but he does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating. The TDIU claim is granted.,The Veteran has multiple service-connected disabilities that render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board found no evidence of exceptional patterns or other factors that would warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss claim is denied, while his left ear hearing loss claim is granted.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has been rated as noncompensable, and the Board found that it does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating based on VA's Rating Schedule.

The Board denied increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's symptoms did not warrant a higher rating under VA regulations. The claim of service connection for ear damage was referred to the AOJ.

The Board has granted a TDIU from January 31, 2011 until May 8, 2017 due to the combined effect of service-connected disabilities preventing the Veteran from securing or following gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability during the appeal period.,Service connection for residuals of a lower back injury is also denied, with the Board concluding that the Veteran does not have a current low back disability and it is less likely than not related to his active service.,The claim for service connection for lung cancer is remanded as VA needs to assess radiation exposure during service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's hearing loss claims due to an inadequate audiological examination, and a new evaluation is needed to determine the current severity of his bilateral hearing loss.