Hearing loss decisions — 2022

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss is granted as service-connected.,The Veteran's LLE radiculopathy is denied as not service-connected.,The Veteran's bilateral foot condition is remanded for further evaluation and determination of its etiology.,The Veteran's memory loss is remanded for further evaluation and determination of its etiology.,The Veteran's bilateral shoulder condition is remanded for further evaluation and determination of its etiology.,The Veteran's bilateral elbow condition is remanded for further evaluation and determination of its etiology.,The Veteran's allergic rhinitis (claimed as a respiratory condition) is remanded for further evaluation and determination of its etiology.,The Veteran's bilateral knee condition is remanded for further evaluation and determination of its etiology.,The Veteran's OSA is remanded for further evaluation and determination of its etiology.,The Veteran's migraine headaches are remanded for further evaluation and determination of their etiology.

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

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left ear hearing loss, initial ratings for left knee conditions, and a TDIU prior to August 13, 2002. The issues are being remanded due to requests from the Veteran's attorney for examiner CVs and outstanding VA treatment records.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear hearing loss. The remaining issues of service connection for the other conditions are remanded due to inadequate VA examinations and lack of consideration of relevant evidence.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection of bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there was no evidence of an earlier claim being received by VA.

Service connection for PTSD due to MST has been granted.,Service connection for OSA was denied as there is no evidence of current disability.

The Veteran's service connection claim for bilateral hearing loss is granted as the evidence supports a finding that his current hearing loss disability is related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities, as well as left ear hearing loss, are denied. The Board found no current disability related to these conditions.

The Board has remanded the cases for a new VA examination and medical opinion to address the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as their relationship to active duty service.

The Board has found that the remand instructions for obtaining VA examinations concerning the Veteran's hearing loss and legs have not been completed as directed. As such, another remand is necessary.

The Veteran's COPD is granted as service-connected due to presumed exposure to Agent Orange. The hearing loss claim is remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for Alzheimer's disease, depression, PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and hypertension have been dismissed due to his death.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction and remanded other claims due to insufficient evidence. The remaining issues are also remanded as new VA examinations are needed.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the cause of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, specifically whether it is related to in-service noise exposure or injuries to his ears.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to the need for updated VA treatment records and a new VA examination.

The Veteran's hearing loss condition requires a new examination to assess its current severity.,The Veteran's left arm limited range of motion and bone disease may be related to service, including residuals of a gunshot wound during active service. The examiner should also consider whether the disability began during service or is otherwise related to service.,The Veteran's skin cancer may be related to sun exposure during active service or herbicide agent exposure.

The Board has dismissed the claim for a compensable rating for service-connected bilateral hearing loss. The claims of service connection for asbestosis and obstructive sleep apnea are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities, including on an extraschedular basis prior to April 28, 2022, and on a schedular basis thereafter. The case is also remanded for an addendum opinion regarding the severity of his service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were reopened due to new evidence, and service connection was granted.,Service connection was also established for left leg varicose veins.

The Board has found that there has not been substantial compliance with the previous remand instructions and thus, further action is required. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and skin disability claims are being returned for additional development.