Hearing loss decisions — 2021

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including cervical spine degenerative joint disease, right upper extremity radiculopathy, left upper extremity radiculopathy, right shoulder degenerative joint disease, right knee patellofemoral syndrome, left knee patellofemoral syndrome, right ankle sprain, and other conditions, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU based on the combined service-connected disability rating of 80 percent.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss, finding that the evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation at any time during the appeal period.

The Veteran is seeking a higher disability rating for his bilateral hearing loss disability, which was previously rated as noncompensable. The Board has remanded the case to provide an additional VA examination to assess the current severity of his condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus due to conflicting medical opinions and additional evidence. The claims will be further developed by the RO.

The Board has dismissed the appeal of the claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The issue of entitlement to service connection for a low back condition is remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. Bilateral hearing loss was not rated higher than noncompensable, right inguinal hernia prior to November 3, 2020, and umbilical hernia received a 20 percent rating.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's right ear hearing loss was caused by a 1970 middle ear infection during service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied because there is no current disability meeting VA criteria.

The Board has remanded the cases of sinus problems and hearing loss for further development due to inadequate medical opinions.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, an ear disorder (Meniere's syndrome), and an acquired psychiatric disorder (anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, and bulimia nervosa) have been denied as there is no evidence of a current disability related to service.,There are no medical records showing the Veteran developed any of these conditions during his active service or within one year after separation from service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hearing loss, skin cancer, cracked two front teeth (for compensation purposes), and dental issue for treatment purposes due to insufficient evidence in some cases.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate efforts by VA to obtain employment records from Willamette Industries/Weyerhaeuser Corporation, which may contain relevant information about the Veteran's hearing loss.

The Veteran's service connection claim for bilateral hearing loss was initially denied due to lack of hearing loss for VA purposes. The case is now remanded as the Veteran has provided evidence showing worsening hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the claims for hearing loss and tinnitus due to in-service noise exposure. The Veteran's service records do not show any specific findings of hearing loss or tinnitus, but post-service evaluations indicate current conditions. Further examination is needed to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for prostate cancer and a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss has been dismissed due to the Veteran's request to withdraw his appeals.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable, and the Board has determined that this rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable, as he has maintained substantial gainful employment since July 2016.

The Board denied a compensable disability rating prior to July 15, 2014, and in excess of 10 percent thereafter for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for bilateral tinnitus and hearing loss is remanded due to the need for additional development regarding in-service noise exposure.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and right hip disorder. The claims are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions.