Hearing loss decisions — 2022

The Veteran's unemployability due to his service-connected PTSD and other disabilities has been recognized, leading to the grant of special monthly compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1114 (s)(1).

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to the need for updated VA treatment records and a new examination.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was rated at 10 percent, but the Board found that it did not warrant a higher rating based on his complaints and examination findings.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, headaches disorder, and a bilateral lung disorder due to inadequate medical opinions and need for further development.

The Veteran's low back disability and right ear hearing loss have been granted service connection.,Service connection for a right shoulder disability, right ankle disability, and hypertension has been remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a right shoulder disorder and bilateral hearing loss due to inadequate medical opinions. The Veteran's assertions of in-service exposure are not supported by the evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied. Service connection was granted for coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus (type II), and erectile dysfunction due to the latter being secondary to coronary artery disease.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including degenerative arthritis of the right knee and bilateral hearing loss, prevented him from securing or following any substantially gainful occupation effective November 3, 2020.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss is granted as service-connected, but his right ear hearing loss and acquired psychiatric disorder are denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between current hearing loss or tinnitus and military service.,Service connection could not be established as the Veteran did not show chronic symptoms during service, nor did he demonstrate continuous symptoms since separation. The VA examiner concluded that the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus were not related to noise exposure in service.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus were denied as there is no evidence of a nexus between the disabilities and service, including noise exposure.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus has been dismissed due to their death.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus as secondary to the Veteran's diagnosed bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's tinnitus is due to in-service noise exposure. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied as there is no evidence of disabling hearing loss during the appeal period.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is granted as service connected. The issue of service connection for bilateral pes planus is remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, have rendered him unemployable due to physical limitations and functional impairments. His claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and evaluation.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus as secondary to the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss. The other claims have been denied.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of a fracture of the navicular bone of the right wrist are granted an increased rating to 10 percent effective April 1, 2022. Service connection for tinnitus is granted as secondary to left ear hearing loss. Service connection for right and left ear hearing loss is denied.