Hearing loss decisions — 2022

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was found to be at Level I in the right ear and Level IV in the left ear, resulting in a noncompensable rating. The claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Board denied higher ratings for bilateral hearing loss and TDIU based on service-connected disabilities, finding no evidence of exceptional hearing impairment or significant change in the Veteran's condition.

The Veteran's service-connected right ear hearing loss is granted, but with a noncompensable rating.,Service connection for left ear hearing loss is denied.,Gulf War Syndrome is granted.,Service connection for a lower back condition is granted.,Service connection for shin splints and left shoulder condition are granted.,The Veteran's service-connected right ear hearing loss disability remains noncompensable.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right ear hearing loss disability, finding that it is related to acoustic trauma sustained during active duty.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection. His bilateral hearing loss and back disorder are remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's PTSD, right shoulder disability, hearing loss, and tinnitus have made him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since February 2, 2016. His claim for TDIU has been granted.

The Veteran's service connection claims for sleep apnea, right ear hearing loss, left ear hearing loss, and hypertension have been denied.,Service connection was not granted for any of the conditions due to a lack of evidence showing their onset during or within one year after service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left shoulder scar and bilateral hearing loss were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for either condition.

The Board has determined that further examination and opinion are needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions, as well as their relationship to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for central pain syndrome and an initial rating for bilateral hearing loss has been granted. However, the claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further review of the evidence, including a VA examination report submitted in October 2021. The issues regarding service connection are not yet resolved.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is related to his in-service acoustic trauma and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted a TDIU from December 29, 2014. The appeal for a rating in excess of 10 percent for left foot traumatic arthritis is remanded due to the need for addendum opinions regarding the nature and current level of severity of his left foot disability.

The Veteran's initial disability ratings for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been granted, but the RO has not readjudicated these claims since a January 2022 VA examination. The appeal must be remanded to issue a Supplemental Statement of the Case (SSOC).

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The case is remanded for further development and an addendum medical opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss is related to his military service and grants the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for right shoulder glenohumeral joint osteoarthritis with winged scapula deformity was dismissed.,Service connection for PTSD due to military sexual trauma (MST) and service connection for a skin disorder, manifested by lesions on the arms and legs, were granted. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for left and right knee disabilities, as well as his claim for left ear hearing loss due to inadequate medical opinions in previous examinations. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Board has decided to remand the case for a new VA audiology examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's hearing loss, as the January 2018 VA examination contains incomplete findings.

The Board dismissed the appeals for right hand and thumb, left foot, hernia, and ulcer disorders. The claims for service connection for tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, and acquired psychiatric disorder (secondary to service-connected disabilities) are remanded.