Hearing loss decisions — 2022

The Board has remanded the issues of entitlement to higher ratings for various service-connected conditions, including coronary artery disease and peripheral neuropathy. The Veteran's appeal is not about service connection but rather about the appropriate disability rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right wrist disability, left ear hearing loss, and an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for GAD with Tourette's syndrome due to failure to report for VA examinations without good cause. The claim for right wrist disability was denied as there is no probative evidence linking the current disability to service. The claims for left ear hearing loss and right ear hearing loss were denied because there are no audiometric findings of record showing a current disability. The claim for GAD with Tourette's syndrome was denied due to failure to report for an examination without good cause.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions rendered him so helpless as to require the regular aid and attendance of another person, but he did not meet the criteria for SMC at the housebound rate. The appeal is moot due to the grant of SMC based on need for aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to incomplete development.

The petition to reopen the previously denied claim for service connection for hearing loss is granted. Service connection for a skin disorder and prostate disorder are remanded.

The Veteran's initial claim for an initial compensable rating for right ear hearing loss was denied.,Service connection for tinnitus as secondary to his service-connected right ear hearing loss was granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's auditory processing disorder. The claim will be returned for a new VA examination and opinion.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, knee disability, and hip disability. The decision also noted that the Veteran's knee disabilities were related to active service, but did not provide a clear opinion on whether his hip disabilities are secondary to his knee disabilities.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development, including service connection claims and increased rating claims. The Veteran's hearing loss claim was denied as his hearing did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation. His right hand carpal tunnel syndrome claim had its initial evaluation increased to 30% effective September 23, 2017, but remains in appellate status due to lack of full grant of benefits sought.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence sufficient to reopen the claim for service connection for a bilateral hearing loss disability has been received. The case is remanded for further development, including a VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents. The remaining claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, sinus disorder, basal cell carcinoma of the back, diabetes mellitus type II, right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy are remanded as they are inextricably intertwined with the hypertension claim.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II as secondary to his service-connected PTSD and alcohol use disorder is granted. The Board finds that the Veteran's current diabetes was aggravated by his service-connected PTSD and alcohol use disorder, meeting the criteria for secondary service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA examination, requiring a new opinion on the nature and etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability, finding that it is related to the Veteran's in-service noise exposure during military training.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU prior to August 26, 2019 was denied as his service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and hypertension, finding that there is no evidence to support a relationship between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to have begun during service and granted service connection.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as there is no current diagnosis of the condition.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to unresolved issues regarding service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's current hearing loss disability is not shown as chronic in service and did not manifest to a compensable degree within the applicable presumptive period.

The Board has decided that the claim for bilateral hearing loss, including as secondary to service-connected tinnitus, should be remanded due to inadequate consideration of the Veteran's statements and examination findings.

The Veteran's appeal is about determining the appropriate disability rating for his hearing loss and the effective date of the increased rating. The Board has ordered additional VA treatment records to be obtained, as some prior records are missing.