Hearing loss decisions — 2022

The Veteran's PTSD and left ear hearing loss were evaluated, but the disability ratings for both conditions remained at 30 percent. The appeal was denied as there is no indication of service connection issues related to exposure or other theories.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is granted as service connected. The Veteran's vision and left knee disabilities are denied as not related to service. The Veteran's hypertension and stroke are remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is rated at 0 percent, and the Board denied an extraschedular rating. The Veteran was granted TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, neck/cervical spine disability, left elbow disability, and bilateral foot disability as there is no evidence of a current disability or a link to service.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss is granted as service-connected. The cases for increased disability evaluations and service connection for right ear hearing loss are remanded.

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

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for TDIU, SMC based on loss of use of his left hand, and SMC based on need for aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to incomplete service treatment records from the Veteran's National Guard and Reserves service, as well as outstanding VA and non-VA medical records. The VA audiology examiner will provide opinions on the etiology of the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus and SMC based on aid and attendance due to insufficient medical evidence regarding the severity of his diabetes and inability to perform daily activities.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are due to in-service noise exposure.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of an adequate VA audiological examination, and further evaluation is needed to determine if the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is related to his active service.

The Board has decided that service connection is not warranted for bilateral hearing loss, left hand condition, and tinnitus. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and conduct further examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development, including VA examinations and opinions addressing the etiology of his disabilities. The Veteran is seeking service connection for various orthopedic disorders and tinnitus, but the Board notes that there is no evidence of an in-service injury or noise exposure related to these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current condition is causally related to in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's headache disorder is granted service connection as it is linked to her active duty service.,Service connection for the low back disorder and bilateral hearing loss are remanded due to inadequate medical opinions.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is granted based on continuity of symptoms since service.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable disability rating for service-connected bilateral hearing loss prior to January 24, 2022, and in excess of 20 percent from January 24, 2022, forward was denied. The Board found the evidence did not support a higher rating.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss claim is remanded for a more recent VA audiological examination.,The Veteran's respiratory disability and headache disorder claims are remanded due to inadequate April 2018 VA examinations.,The Veteran's intervertebral disc disease (IVDS) claim is remanded for a thorough and well-reasoned opinion regarding the nature and etiology of his lower back disorder.,The Veteran's hypertension claim is remanded for a nexus opinion, as the April 2018 VA examination was inadequate.,The Veteran's congestive heart failure claim is remanded due to its inextricability with the remanded hypertension and respiratory disorder claims.,The Veteran's bilateral eye disabilities claim is remanded for further evidentiary development based on his lay assertions regarding the onset of symptoms.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss. The claim will be reconsidered with a new examination and additional analysis.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and hemorrhoids can be adjudicated. The AOJ must obtain service treatment records from the Army Reserves and National Guard periods of service, verify active duty for training and inactive duty training dates, and request surgical records from Fort Stewart.

The Board has decided that a new VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, as previous examinations were inadequate.