Hearing loss decisions — 2022

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, psychiatric disability (to include PTSD), hyperlipidemia, cervical spine disability, thoracolumbar spine disability, cervical radiculopathy of the upper extremities, and lumbar radiculopathy of the lower extremities. The evidence does not meet the criteria for a current disability in each case.

The Board has determined that further development is required to obtain the Veteran's service treatment records and to provide VA examinations for his musculoskeletal disorders, as well as any left ear hearing loss and low blood pressure diagnoses. The claims are being remanded.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability and lumbar strain have been granted service connection. From April 19, 2021, the Veteran is granted TDIU based on his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including bilateral hearing loss disability, hemorrhoids, hypertension, PTSD and bipolar disorder, right elbow lateral epicondylitis, left elbow lateral epicondylitis, lower extremity radiculopathy, lumbosacral strain, knee strains, and pes cavus. The issues are remanded due to the need for additional development of records.

The appeal for a compensable rating prior to February 3, 2022, and in excess of 10 percent thereafter for bilateral hearing loss is dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for a new examination to assess the severity of his service-connected bilateral hearing loss and for additional development regarding TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss is granted from December 9, 2019. However, the issue of whether a separate evaluation for psychiatric impairment as a manifestation of his service-connected bilateral hearing loss is remanded.

The Veteran is granted a total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) effective from May 10, 2011. The issue of special monthly pension (SMP) benefits is dismissed as moot due to the greater benefit provided by TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including tinnitus, knee conditions, and bilateral hearing loss, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since June 16, 2015. The Board has granted a TDIU on an extraschedular basis for the entire appeal period.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities, finding that his service-connected conditions did not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board found that the discontinuance of VA VR&E benefits under Chapter 31, Title 38, United States Code was proper due to the Veteran's unsatisfactory conduct and cooperation in his rehabilitation program.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU have been remanded due to the need for additional examinations. The claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been reopened, but not yet decided.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection, but his bilateral hearing loss disability is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) due to incomplete evidence and inconsistencies in the Veteran's responses during examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current right hip disability, bilateral hearing loss, or jaw disability for which service connection can be granted.,As such, the claims for these conditions are denied.

The Board has denied service connection for a back disability, but granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.,Service connection is granted for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus as these conditions are related to in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran was found to be unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities from June 3, 2008, to January 21, 2009.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, hypertension, and a skin condition (dermatitis) as the evidence did not establish that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.,Service connection was not granted because there is no credible evidence showing that the Veteran's current hearing loss, hypertension, or dermatitis are related to his active duty service.

The Board has remanded the claim for bilateral hearing loss due to inadequate examination and opinion regarding its etiology.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss was denied. Prior to March 23, 2022, the Veteran's hearing loss was rated as noncompensable. From March 23, 2022 onwards, a rating of 30 percent was granted.