Hearing loss decisions — 2022

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for updated VA examinations and potential outstanding VA treatment records.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, degenerative joint disease of the thoracolumbar spine without radiculopathy, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus have been granted. The claim for a low back disability is being remanded.,The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (to include a depressive disorder and/or PTSD) and respiratory disorder (to include COPD and/or emphysema) claims are also being remanded.

The Board has reopened the previously denied claims of service connection for a bilateral knee disability, bilateral hearing loss, and an eye disability. The issues have been remanded due to the need for additional examinations and consideration of new evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

All appeals regarding the Veteran's claims for higher disability ratings have been dismissed as he withdrew his appeals in April 2022.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hearing loss and vertigo due to potential issues with the validity of previous examinations and the need for further medical opinions.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for hearing loss is remanded due to incomplete audiometric test results and the need for updated VA treatment records. A new audiological examination is also required.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient consideration of the Veteran's exposure to noise during service and post-service work, as well as updated VA treatment records. The Veteran is seeking service connection for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to insufficient evidence regarding their etiology, including a need for additional medical opinions and records.

The Board has decided to remand the cases of bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of these conditions. An additional VA examination is needed to address the Veteran's claims.

The Board has remanded the cases for further action due to insufficient evidence regarding the onset and cause of the Veteran's hearing loss.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied. The claims of service connection for muscle myalgia and fatigue in the left and right lower extremities are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's claims for hearing loss, back disability, knee disabilities, and ankle disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

New and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for gout.,The Veteran's claims for a sleep disorder, chronic fatigue disorder, vision loss, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, erectile dysfunction/urinary tract disorder, left hip disorder, right hip disorder, left knee disorder, right knee disorder, and left ankle injury disorder are remanded for further development.,Service connection for gout is granted. The Veteran's service-connected PTSD may be contributing to his reported sleep and fatigue impairments.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted service connection. The cases for eye disability, psychiatric disability, right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, and left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss, a left ankle disability, and diabetes mellitus type II due to missing VA examinations. The Veteran was previously notified of his obligation to cooperate in the development process.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's tinnitus is at least as likely as not related to his active military service. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied due to lack of evidence linking it to service or diabetes.

The Board denied service connection for right ear hearing loss and a rating greater than 10 percent for temporomandibular disorder with bruxism, residuals of an in-service shrapnel injury to the jaw. The appellant does not have current hearing loss disability or symptoms that meet VA criteria for a disability. The appellant's interincisal range of motion is within normal limits and does not require dietary restrictions.

The Board has found that there may be outstanding records to obtain related to the hearing loss claim, and has ordered additional development. The case will be returned to the Board after compliance with these procedures.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's conditions are related to his military service.