Hearing loss decisions — 2021

The Board has dismissed the claims of service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus as they have been granted in a December 2013 rating decision.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not result in functional impairment sufficient to prevent substantially gainful employment prior to July 7, 2017.

The Board has determined that the issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, left knee degenerative arthritis, and right knee degenerative arthritis need to be remanded due to inadequate VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current hearing loss is related to hazardous noise exposure during active service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable, with the VA finding that his hearing acuity does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for scar tissue with numbness has been dismissed as the benefits sought have already been granted. The issue of service connection for cervical spine disability is reopened, but no new rating assigned. Service connection for fibromyalgia is denied. Bilateral hearing loss and back disability are not rated compensably or increased.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection of a skin condition due to insufficient consideration of whether it is proximately due or aggravated by any service-connected disability, including lung cancer. The Veteran's photosensitivity reaction secondary to chemotherapy is also being evaluated.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss has been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by his attorney, and all issues on appeal have been dismissed.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for an addendum opinion regarding whether the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is related to service, specifically his MOS as a jet engine mechanic.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is rated as noncompensable, and the Board has decided to remand the case for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his condition.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are etiologically related to in-service acoustic trauma.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted as service connection is established due to in-service noise exposure.,Service connection for PTSD with insomnia is granted based on credible supporting evidence of an in-service stressor, although the VA psychologist did not diagnose PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 100% rating for service-connected bilateral hearing loss is denied. The Board found that the increase in severity of his disability was not ascertainable prior to February 7, 2018.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and tonsil cancer has been granted.,Service connection is established for these conditions based on exposure to herbicide agents during service.

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

The Veteran was granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, as the evidence shows he experienced acoustic trauma during service and has had continuous symptoms of bilateral hearing loss since separation.

The Board has decided to remand the claim for right ear hearing loss due to incomplete development and the need for further audiometric testing.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is etiologically linked to his active-duty service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The Veteran's representative requested additional opinions regarding the etiology of his GERD and the nature of his bilateral hearing loss.