Hearing loss decisions — 2021

The Board has determined that the claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss must be remanded due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error. The Veteran's service connection claim was previously denied, and an additional VA examination is needed.

An effective date of April 26, 2019 for the award of a 20 percent evaluation for bilateral hearing loss is granted.,Entitlement to an effective date prior to February 29, 2020 for service connection for peripheral vestibular disorder is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to inadequate examinations and need for additional evidence. The issues of entitlement to service connection for hypertension, low back disability, hypogonadism, and diabetes mellitus are being returned to the AOJ for further action.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hearing loss is denied. The Veteran's tinnitus and depression are granted as secondary to his service-connected lumbosacral strain.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for coronary artery disease, prostate cancer residuals, bilateral hearing loss, and recurrent tinnitus due to incomplete service personnel records and additional development is required.

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 credible evidence of in-service noise exposure and post-service symptoms.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further examination and evaluation due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's hearing loss and lumbar spine disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, asthma, lumbar spine condition, and skin condition due to potential missing service treatment records from his Reserve service period. The VA is instructed to obtain these records and schedule the Veteran for additional examinations to determine if there is a link between his conditions and herbicide exposure.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to issues with his right and left knee disabilities, as well as his upper extremity and spine disabilities. The decision also notes that the Veteran's hearing loss disability is related to noise exposure during service.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on aid and attendance or housebound status is being remanded due to incomplete information provided by the Veteran regarding his income, expenses, and net worth. The Board requires additional forms from the Veteran to ensure proper evaluation of his eligibility.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran had continuous symptoms since service separation and meeting the requirements of presumptive service connection under 38 C.F.R. § 3.303(b).

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and bowel disability due to inadequate examination findings. The Veteran is not entitled to service connection for his claimed conditions as there is no evidence of in-service noise exposure or a current disability related to active service.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are at least as likely as not related to his in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to various issues.,Service connection for PTSD, right knee disability, left knee disability, sleep disability, and TBI is denied.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is being remanded for further examination and review due to the need for clarification on its etiology.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to the absence of a current disability.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for migraines, right shoulder disability, and right knee disability are remanded as the VA examinations did not adequately address the lay statements regarding continuous symptoms since service.

The Board has denied service connection for right ear hearing loss due to lack of a current disability. The case is remanded for an addendum opinion regarding left ear hearing loss.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss have been reopened.,Service connection has been granted for both conditions.

The Board has granted a TDIU and SMC at the housebound rate since September 30, 2015 due to service-connected anxiety disorder with depressive symptoms. The Veteran's other service-connected conditions do not meet the criteria for separate ratings.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The examiner needs to provide a more definitive opinion on whether these conditions are related to service.