Hearing loss decisions — 2022

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss has been rated as noncompensable since July 2017. The VA examinations have consistently shown a mild to moderate level of hearing acuity in the left ear, with no significant change over time.

An initial rating of 10 percent, and no higher, prior to September 28, 2015 for bilateral hearing loss is granted.,An initial compensable rating since September 28, 2015 for bilateral hearing loss is denied.

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 appeal includes claims for an initial rating greater than 20 percent for bilateral hearing loss and entitlement to TDIU, which are both remanded.,Service connection for back pain is denied.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated at 20 percent, and his hemorrhoids are granted an increased rating to 20 percent. The decision does not address service connection theory or exposure basis.

The Board has granted secondary service connection for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) as caused by and aggravated by service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The decision is based on the Veteran's statements indicating that his MDD symptoms are exacerbated by his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's depressive disorder and bilateral hearing loss disability are granted service connection. The issue of service connection for a prostate disability is remanded due to lack of in-service record.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis was granted a 50% rating effective February 6, 2019. The claim for increased rating is granted.

The Board has remanded the claim for bilateral hearing loss due to a lack of STRs from the Veteran's service in the Tennessee Army National Guard (TNARNG). The RO needs to request these records from MEDCOM in Smyrna, Tennessee.

The Veteran's petition to reopen claims for PTSD, bilateral knee disability, bilateral ankle disability, and right ear hearing loss has been granted. The cases are now remanded for further evaluation.,PTSD service connection is established.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for further medical examinations and opinions regarding his claimed conditions. The issues of entitlement to a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, as well as service connection for GERD, abdominal tumor residuals, diverticulitis, respiratory condition, headaches, skin rash condition, and joint pains (bilateral shoulder, wrists, knees, lumbar spine) are all remanded.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted as service-connected. The Board found that the Veteran's current symptoms of hearing loss and tinnitus were related to his in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, right ear hearing loss, and asthma are being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and examinations.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's service connection claims for left ear hearing loss and tinnitus are granted. However, due to new evidence of worsening right ear hearing loss, the case is being remanded for a VA examination.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral hearing loss disability, finding that there is no evidence of in-service injury or disease related to this condition and that the current hearing loss began after separation from active duty.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to issues with scheduling a VA examination for bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's continuous noise exposure during service is being considered as a potential cause.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss and TDIU due to the need for a new examination to assess the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss, including any associated symptoms such as balance issues. The AOJ should also develop the claim for TDIU.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for right ear hearing loss as there was no evidence of hearing loss meeting VA criteria.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and consideration of new evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee osteoarthritis, right knee arthritis, respiratory condition (shortness of breath), bilateral hearing loss, and recurrent tinnitus.,Service connection is also granted for the Veteran's right knee disability as secondary to his left knee disability.