Hearing loss decisions — 2022

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

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are service-connected as they manifested within one year of his separation from service and are not attributable to intercurrent causes.

The Veteran's appeal for a compensable evaluation of bilateral hearing loss has been dismissed because the Veteran withdrew his request for a hearing.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for ulcerative colitis, bilateral hearing loss, and a back disability due to new and material evidence. However, the claims are still denied as there is no current disability found for these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected neck numbness (neuritis) is granted, but a higher rating than 10 percent is denied. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied. The Veteran's difficulty swallowing associated with her right side of neck numbness is granted.

The Veteran's tinnitus, psychiatric disability, and bilateral hearing loss are all rated at their maximum levels. The Board has remanded the cases for further development to obtain treatment records from a Vet Center.

The Veteran's spouse, D.C., is the caregiver and has been assessed for personal care services needs. The Veteran currently requires assistance with activities of daily living such as dressing, grooming, toileting, and mobility. However, the claim was remanded due to a lack of completed caregiver training within 90 days from the application date.

The Veteran's service connection claims for right and left ear hearing loss, right shoulder disorder, obstructive sleep apnea, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and right upper extremity scars have been granted. The claim for a right shoulder disorder is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus. The Veteran's claims for left shoulder disability, OSA, headache disability (including as secondary to PTSD), left ankle disability, and left ear hearing loss are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's current diagnosis of bilateral hearing loss and its relation to in-service noise exposure.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete development and lack of consideration of lay statements regarding continuity of symptomatology.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss has been consistently rated as noncompensable throughout the appeal period, with no significant changes in severity.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient rationale in the VA examiner's opinion regarding the Veteran's right ear hearing loss. The Veteran is seeking service connection for his current condition, which he claims began during military service and continues since separation.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to lack of substantial compliance with previous remand requests and scheduling issues.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee disability and bilateral hearing loss were not incurred or aggravated during service, but may be related to post-service noise exposure. The case is being remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated at a disability rating of 30 percent effective January 18, 2022. A compensable rating prior to that date and any rating in excess since then are not warranted.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating and an extraschedular rating for bilateral hearing loss has been denied. The Board found that the Veteran's hearing loss did not meet criteria for exceptional patterns of hearing impairment, leading to a noncompensable disability rating.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to the need for updated treatment records and a VA examination. The earlier effective date claim for tinnitus service connection is not granted, and the increased evaluation and compensable hearing loss evaluations are also not granted.

The Veteran's claim for a rating of 10% for bilateral hearing loss is granted, effective November 8, 2021. Service connection for chronic sinus problems is denied.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and remanded the claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a right hand disorder, a low back disorder, and a right leg injury due to insufficient evidence.