Hearing loss decisions — 2022

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient rationale for a negative opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss. A new VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's current hearing loss disability was caused or aggravated by his active service, including noise exposure therein.

The Board denied a compensable rating for the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability beginning June 12, 2014, finding that his condition did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under VA's rating schedule.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, increased ratings for right knee instability and left knee chondromalacia. The decision found no current disability in any of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to insufficient opinions regarding whether the Veteran's right shoulder condition, low back condition, right hip condition, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus are related to his service-connected conditions or in-service incidents.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's appeal for further development regarding his bilateral hearing loss ratings, specifically to determine if there was a worsening in severity prior to January 21, 2020.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is the result of active service, and therefore grants his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was not shown as chronic in service and did not manifest to a compensable degree within the applicable presumptive period. The disability is not otherwise etiologically related to an in-service injury or disease.,The evidence persuasively weighs against finding that the Veteran's ischemic heart disease began during active service or is otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease, to include exposure to herbicide agents.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that there was no evidence linking his current hearing loss to military service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional medical opinions and records. The Veteran's claims for service connection for left ear hearing loss and right ear hearing loss are pending.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for tinnitus, left ear hearing loss, and a compensable initial rating for right ear hearing loss due to lack of current diagnosis for tinnitus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's nightmare disorder originated during active service and grants service connection for this condition. The Board also finds that further VA audiological and knee evaluations are needed to determine if any bilateral hearing loss or left knee disabilities are related to service, and remands the TDIU claim.

The Board has denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and remanded the claim for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear hearing loss and remanded the issues of initial compensable rating for right ear hearing loss, total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU), and assigned a new effective date.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his bilateral hearing loss was denied as the evidence did not show a compensable disability level.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to new and material evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, lumbar spine disorder, right shoulder disorder, and left hand middle finger condition due to the need for further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance of another person due to his service-connected disabilities, finding that he is not bedridden or housebound as a result of his service-connected conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss is related to service, and thus grants his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's service connection claim for bilateral hearing loss has been reopened, and he is entitled to a VA examination to determine the current nature of his disability.,The Veteran's OSA status post surgery is granted as it was incurred in and is etiologically related to active service.

The Board has decided to remand the claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to inadequate compliance with previous remand instructions and an insufficient VA medical opinion.