Hearing loss decisions — 2022

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD is granted, and he is also granted TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for his right shoulder disability is dismissed.,The claim to reopen the previously denied prostate cancer status post TURP service connection is denied.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability is denied.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea is remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is etiologically related to his in-service noise exposure, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied as his hearing impairment does not meet the criteria for any higher rating under VA's Rating Schedule.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial compensable rating for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss is dismissed because it was already pending under another AMA appeal stream. The issues of entitlement to an increased rating for asthma with emphysema/COPD and TDIU are remanded due to procedural errors.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for left ear hearing loss and Meniere's syndrome, BPPV, and central vestibular dysfunction dizziness due to inadequate compliance with prior remand directives. The Veteran needs further examinations to address inconsistencies in previous examination results.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various conditions due to incomplete service treatment records and missing medical evidence. The Veteran's complete service treatment records, VA treatment records, and any relevant prison and private care records must be obtained.

The Veteran's initial claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was granted, with the disability rated at noncompensable (0%) due to no worse than Level II hearing loss in both ears.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was granted an initial disability rating of 30 percent prior to May 25, 2021. A higher rating is denied.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected, with the Board finding that it is at least as likely as not related to his active duty service.,Service connection for astigmatism in the left eye was denied due to lack of evidence linking the condition to service.

The Veteran's hearing loss of the left and right ears, as well as tinnitus, were denied due to lack of evidence showing a current disability or causation.,Patellofemoral dysfunction of both knees was remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (psychiatric condition, hypospadias, bilateral hearing loss, and hypertension) have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted entitlement to total disability based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's appeals for a hearing loss rating and service connection for diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy have been dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete medical records and inadequate audiometric testing. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability will need further examination and evaluation.

The Veteran's ratings for PTSD, CAD, and bilateral hearing loss are being remanded due to procedural issues and the need for additional medical examinations.

The Board has remanded the case for a retrospective opinion to determine when the Veteran's back disability increased in severity prior to February 7, 2017. The initial hearing loss rating remains denied.

The claim for service connection for a lumbosacral spine disability, cervical spine disability, hearing loss disability, and arthralgia has been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The claims are granted.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination to determine if the Veteran's hearing loss disability is related to service, including noise exposure while working as a boiler tech. The VA must also examine the Veteran to determine the etiology of his malignant melanoma and whether any scars are related to residuals of lipomas or malignant melanoma.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection and rating for right ear hearing loss and left ear hearing loss has been dismissed as the appellant withdrew their appeals.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinion regarding when the Veteran's BPPV manifested and how long it had been a problem. The AOJ must consider additional relevant evidence in the first instance.