Hearing loss decisions — 2022

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss is currently rated as non-compensable, and the Board finds that a compensable rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus was denied in August 2018. The Veteran submitted a new claim on November 10, 2021, which resulted in the grant of service connection effective November 10, 2021.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as service-connected, with the benefit of doubt given to his claim.,Bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are both found to be related to in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been dismissed as the benefit was already granted in a previous decision.,The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for asthma and bilateral hearing loss prior to November 19, 2018 have both been denied.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is granted as service-connected. High cholesterol and psychiatric disorders are denied. The remaining claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current hearing loss is related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is granted and remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (bilateral hearing loss, depressive disorder, and tinnitus) do not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to service connection, as well as the increased rating claim for a headache condition. The VA examiner is asked to provide opinions on the etiology of the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus based on his lay statements of noise exposure during service and symptoms at separation. An addendum opinion is also needed regarding the nature and severity of the Veteran's headache condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee disability, vision loss and light sensitivity, and bilateral hearing loss are related to service. However, due to a lack of examination for these conditions, the case is being remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the evidence is at least in balance that these conditions are related to active service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are remanded due to a duty-to-assist error. Additional VA medical opinions are needed to determine the current nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability during the pendency of the claim.,Service connection for tinnitus is granted, with the Board finding that the Veteran's tinnitus began during his active military service and has continued since then.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that there is no evidence linking his current hearing impairment to his military service.

The Board has remanded the claims for bell's palsy, hearing loss, cervical spine disability, and rheumatoid arthritis due to insufficient evidence regarding their relationship to service. The Veteran is seeking service connection for these conditions based on exposure to toxic or radiation in service.

The Board has remanded the claims of bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to the improper use of a form for filing an appeal, and the Veteran will have another opportunity to request a hearing as part of the Legacy appeal.

The Veteran's right eye disability is granted as the result of exposure to environmental hazards during his service in the Gulf War. The left ankle scar and left ear hearing loss are denied.

Service connection is denied for a lumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability, and asthma.,An effective date earlier than November 23, 2016, for the award of service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus is also denied.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is granted service connection, but his peripheral neuropathy of the right and left upper extremities are denied.

The Board has determined that a new VA examination and opinion are needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection of lumbar spine disability, hearing loss, and tinnitus due to the lack of adequate consideration of his testimony regarding in-service aggravation.