Hearing loss decisions — 2022

The Veteran's service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus was granted, but effective dates earlier than August 12, 2014 are denied. The Veteran also had their claims to reopen service connection for ischemic heart disease and hypertension granted.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a cervical spine disorder and a left elbow disorder due to the need for additional development.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus as the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions began in service or are related to military noise exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left ear hearing loss is not service-connected, and his right ear hearing loss does not warrant a compensable rating. The issues of TDIU for depression and SMC on housebound status have been remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's in-service noise exposure likely caused his current mild sensorineural hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the claims for left ear hearing loss, tinnitus, and inguinal hernia due to incomplete records and lack of a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's appeal for service connection for short-term memory loss, right hip disability, left hip disability, and left knee disability is remanded due to insufficient evidence. The appeals for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and diabetes mellitus, type II are also remanded as VA examinations are needed to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence to determine if the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is related to his in-service noise exposure. The claim will be further developed by obtaining private medical records and seeking an etiological opinion from a VA examiner.

The Veteran's appeals for a higher rating for bilateral hearing loss and service connection for sleep disorder (including periodic limb movement disorder, nocturnal hypoxemia, and OSA) are remanded due to the need for additional medical examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded as he missed a scheduled examination due to a family emergency. He needs another VA examination to determine if his hearing loss is related to his service.

The Board has dismissed the claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss, as it was granted in a December 2022 rating decision that encompassed bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's claim for right ear hearing loss and low back disability has been reopened, with the claims being granted.,A rating in excess of 10 percent for left ear tinnitus is denied, as the Veteran's symptoms are fully contemplated by the current rating criteria.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration, including for VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed bilateral hearing loss, left hand disability, and bilateral foot drop.

The Veteran's bilateral sensorineural hearing loss was rated at 20 percent on a schedular basis from November 27, 2006 to December 28, 2014. The Board found that the available schedular evaluation for his disability was adequate and did not present an exceptional or unusual picture.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for TDIU on an extraschedular basis from January 1, 2017 due to his service-connected disabilities. The AOJ is required to readjudicate the claims and determine whether an extraschedular TDIU and referral to the Director of Compensation Service are warranted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for the grant of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the earliest allowed effective date is January 15, 2016.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss has been denied as his current hearing acuity does not meet the criteria for a higher disability evaluation.,The Board has also remanded the issues of service connection for emphysema and asthma due to insufficient medical opinions based on the submitted evidence.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, finding that there is no evidence of a nexus between his current diagnosis and his active service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to missing service treatment records and an inadequate medical opinion regarding the Veteran's hearing loss. The AOJ is instructed to attempt to obtain any outstanding records, provide notice as required by law, and forward the file for a new VA examiner’s opinion.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus has been granted. The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is dismissed.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, low back disability, respiratory condition, sleep apnea, bilateral plantar fasciitis, migraines, and bilateral shin splints are all remanded for further examination and medical opinions.