Hearing loss decisions — 2021

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and VistA Imaging scans. A skin examination is also required.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that there is no nexus between his current hearing loss and his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, specifically requesting an addendum opinion regarding whether the Veteran's left knee DJD is at least as likely as not proximately due to her service-connected right knee DJD.

The Board denied service connection for left ear hearing loss as the Veteran does not have a current disability for VA purposes.

The Board denied service connection for TMJ, finding that the evidence did not support a nexus between the Veteran's in-service injury and his current condition.,The Board remanded the issue of service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to potential noise exposure during military service.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's PTSD and bilateral hearing loss claims need further examination and evaluation before a final decision can be made.

The Board has remanded the case for a medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's death by suicide was attributable to an acquired mental health disability incurred or aggravated during his active service. The issues of DIC benefits and burial allowance based on a service-connected death are inextricably intertwined and must be addressed together.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a lumbosacral spine disability, initial rating for service-connected headaches, compensable rating for service-connected bilateral hearing loss, and increased ratings for service-connected chondromalacia and degenerative joint disease of the right knee and left knee have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the entire appeal.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial compensable disability rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development and consideration. The skin disability claim is being remanded due to the need for an addendum opinion, and the hearing loss disability claim remains on hold until a new addendum opinion can be obtained.

The Board has remanded the cases of bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus for a new VA medical opinion to determine if these conditions are related to service, including noise exposure from active duty as an aircraft electrician.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes mellitus, PTSD, and peripheral neuropathy, made it impossible for him to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation from April 3, 2009, to June 14, 2016, and from October 1, 2016, to August 1, 2017.

The Board has remanded the case due to the VA Regional Office not obtaining the June 5, 2017 audiologic test results for bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's appeal is now back with the Board.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral knee disability, bilateral pes planus, back disability, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus due to outstanding records and a need for further examination.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current disabilities are related to his military service. The decision is based on new evidence received since the last denial, including a VA examination and lay testimony from the Veteran.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings of PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and TDIU have been dismissed due to the Veteran withdrawing his appeal before a decision was made.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus as they need further examination and opinion regarding their etiology.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a TDIU due to their combined rating of 70%.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, depression, anxiety and sleep and mood disorders is denied. The Board also remanded the claims of service connection for right and left fallen arches and heel pain, right and left plantar fasciitis, bilateral hearing loss, bilateral tinnitus, sinusitis, and acid reflux (GERD).

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, but has remanded the issue of service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to in-service noise exposure.