Hearing loss decisions — 2022

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability has been rated as noncompensable (0%) due to the audiometric results showing Level I and Level II hearing acuity in both ears. The Board found that these ratings are appropriate based on the VA examinations conducted.

The Veteran's claim for fibromyalgia has been granted. The claim for reopening and granting service connection for right ear hearing loss is also granted. Other claims of service connection are remanded.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to assess the current severity of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination. The case is being remanded for these purposes.

The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's hearing acuity fits squarely within the criteria for a 50 percent disability rating.

The Board has determined that the May 2019 VA Form 10182, which was used to appeal in the modernized system (AMA), is invalid due to an administrative error. The appeal will now be considered under the legacy system and a Statement of the Case must be issued.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is causally related to in-service noise exposure and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining an addendum opinion from a VA audiologist regarding whether the Veteran's hearing loss is related to service. The right ear hearing loss claim was denied as there is no evidence of hearing loss disability during or within one year after service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for lumbar-spine disorder, shin splints, right-shoulder disorder, left-shoulder disorder, right-wrist disorder, left-wrist disorder, and right-ankle disorder due to an outstanding duty to assist.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for an addendum opinion regarding whether the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is secondary to his service-connected Guillain-Barre syndrome.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability has been manifested by no worse than level II hearing disability for the right ear, and a level III hearing disability for the left ear. The criteria for entitlement to a compensable rating for a bilateral hearing loss disability are not met.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left ear hearing loss is related to his military service and began within a year after separation, thus granting service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted as service-connected due to exposure to loud noise during his military service.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to insufficient medical opinion regarding their relationship to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for amputation, right lower leg have been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's hearing impairment is related to his military service.

The Veteran's hearing loss and PTSD are not rated higher than the current levels, with a noncompensable rating for hearing loss and a 70% rating for PTSD prior to January 22, 2020.

The Veteran's somatic symptoms disorder with depression and anxiety, right ear hearing loss, bilateral shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis, bilateral knee degenerative arthritis and chondromalacia, bilateral ankle strain, and left foot condition (various diagnoses) have all been granted service connection.,An initial compensable rating for a post appendectomy scar has not been met.

The Board has decided that there is insufficient evidence to determine if the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is related to service or secondary to his service-connected tinnitus. The case is being sent back for further development and an updated opinion.

The Board has granted service connection for hearing loss of the left ear, but has not reached a decision on hearing loss of the right ear due to lack of evidence. The Veteran's in-service noise exposure is conceded.

The Board has remanded the cases due to lack of current VA treatment records and for an updated audiological examination.