Hearing loss decisions — 2021

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development regarding the issue of service connection for a dental disorder for treatment purposes only. The decision on the hearing loss rating remains denied.

The Board has decided to remand the cases of bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus for further development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding their etiology.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current left knee disability and denied service connection for this condition. The lung, hearing loss, skin cancer, back injury, and right knee conditions are all remanded for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and remanded the issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, muscle condition, sleep disorder, and eczema. The Veteran's TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to non-compliance with a previous directive regarding the impact of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities on his ability to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment. The case will be returned for further development.

The Board has remanded the TDIU claim due to procedural developments and new evidence added to the claims file. The Veteran's representative requested that the Board give notice of additional evidence before relying on it, which will be done in the supplemental statement of the case.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied as his test scores did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under VA regulations.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus but has remanded the issue of service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded the claims for entitlement to service connection for left ear hearing loss, an increased rating for hiatal hernia, and an increased rating for right foot calluses due to inadequate previous examinations and the need for further development.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded to obtain his November 2017 audiogram results and for further development of the claims, including determining the appropriate rating of his service-connected bilateral hearing loss for the appellate period.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that these conditions are at least as likely as not related to the Veteran's active military service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The case is being remanded due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for right ear hearing loss, right knee disability, nasal problems, sleep apnea, respiratory disability (to include asthma and COPD), right upper extremity ulnar neuropathy, left upper extremity ulnar neuropathy, PTSD, and social anxiety due to conflicting medical opinions and lack of clear and unmistakable aggravation.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear sensorineural hearing loss, but denied service connection for right ear sensorineural hearing loss and back disorder.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration, including obtaining additional medical records and providing an addendum opinion regarding the cause of death.

The Veteran's claims for sinusitis, GERD, and DJD of the lumbar and thoracic spine were denied. The claim for service connection for tinnitus was granted. A TDIU from September 3, 2013 to November 13, 2019 was granted, but the claim is moot after that date.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his representation through his authorized representative.

The Veteran's initial rating for bilateral hearing loss prior to July 7, 2018 was denied. However, as of July 7, 2018, a 10 percent rating is granted effective that date.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and service connection was denied. The claim for PTSD was granted with a rating of 30 percent, but the request for an increase to 50 percent was denied. Service connection for left ear hearing loss was granted, while service connection for right ear hearing loss and chest pain were denied.

The Board has decided one issue on appeal and remanded the remaining issues for further development. Additional development is necessary, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.