Hearing loss decisions — 2022

The Board has dismissed all the issues related to service connection for various conditions, as the appellant died during the appeal process.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and effective dates have been dismissed. The Board found that the Veteran did not file a claim prior to March 30, 2018, for his lumbar spine disability and left lower extremity radiculopathy.,The claims of service connection for headaches, diabetes mellitus, right foot disabilities, left foot disabilities, right knee disabilities, and left knee disabilities are remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss may be service-connected, but the evidence is in balance. The case is being remanded to obtain a new VA examination for both conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being returned to the agency of original jurisdiction for consideration of additional evidence. His claims for service connection and increased ratings are pending.

The Veteran's tinnitus and hernia have been granted service connection. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and lumbar spine disability are remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to potential conflicts in evidence and the need for further examination.

The Board has found that the Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to missing private medical records and a need for VA examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and bilateral hearing loss have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since July 11, 2014.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is being remanded for further evaluation due to potential worsening of symptoms.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to address his contentions of noise exposure and family noticing hearing loss within one year of discharge.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The VA needs to obtain medical records, determine the standard of measurement used in the entrance examination, and provide a retrospective opinion on the etiology of any ear condition.

The Board denied reopening of the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and bilateral tinnitus due to lack of new and material evidence. The Veteran submitted statements indicating exposure to noise during service, but this was considered cumulative of previous evidence.

The claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, right ear otitis media, and an acquired psychiatric disability are reopened. The claim for service connection for TBI is denied due to lack of a current diagnosis.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA examination, and a new medical opinion is needed regarding whether the Veteran's pre-existing right ear hearing loss worsened during service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further examination and opinion regarding his claims of increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss, eczematoid dermatitis, chronic, feet; service connection for a respiratory condition; left hip condition; left knee condition; and hemorrhoids. The Veteran has challenged the competency of VA examiners who have administered examinations during the appeal period.

The Board denied service connection for a bilateral hearing loss disability, finding that the evidence did not support a relationship between the Veteran's current hearing loss and his military service.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection and rating increases as well as a claim for TDIU due to the Veteran's death.

The Board denied service connection for a hearing loss disability of the right ear as there is no current diagnosis of such disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a C-section, including a painful scar is reopened. Service connection for tinnitus and PTSD are granted with a 70% rating. The appeal regarding the bilateral foot disability and TDIU is remanded.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including for COPD and peripheral neuropathy. The Veteran is also seeking a higher rating for his asbestosis.