Hearing loss decisions — 2022

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, specifically considering his testimony about when he first noticed hearing problems.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear hearing loss, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to in-service hazardous noise exposure. The decision does not address any other conditions or issues.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and left elbow disability due to new examinations being required.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is dismissed as the appellant withdrew his appeal.,Service connection is granted for an acquired psychiatric disorder (generalized anxiety disorder), memory loss, and erectile dysfunction. The skin disorder (tic) associated with generalized anxiety disorder is also granted on a secondary basis.,The Veteran's memory loss is found to be related to service-connected generalized anxiety disorder.,The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is found to be related to service.,A skin disorder (tic), which is secondary to the Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder, is also found to be related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected bilateral sensorineural hearing loss requires further evaluation due to inconsistencies in audiometric testing and a need for updated medical records. The case is being remanded to obtain these records, clarify audiometric measurements, and schedule an appropriate examination.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus do not render him unable to obtain or maintain gainful employment, so his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is denied.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations are inadequate for adjudicative purposes and thus remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a right shoulder disability, hearing loss, and tinnitus are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions.

The Veteran's tinnitus claim is granted. The remaining claims for bilateral hearing loss, mid/lower back disorder, right hand disorder, left ankle disorder, and left foot disorder are remanded for additional development.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, a right forearm skin disability, and left shoulder malignant cancer. The claims are remanded for further development including obtaining medical opinions on the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss is rated as noncompensable, and his lumbar spine disability remains at a 10 percent rating throughout the appeal period.,The Veteran contends that his lumbar spine disability warrants a higher rating. The Board finds no evidence to support such an increase.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional evidentiary development, including obtaining private medical records and reviewing emergency department reports. The VA examiner will provide an opinion on whether alcohol intoxication caused or contributed to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for hypertension service connection, bilateral hearing loss rating, and TDIU prior to July 2, 2016.

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

The Board has found the VA hearing loss examinations inadequate and remanded for a new examination to assess the severity and etiology of the Veteran's hearing loss, including whether it is related to in-service noise exposure or any other event or circumstance of service.

The Board has remanded the cases of hearing loss, tinnitus, and groin pain for additional development due to insufficient evidence in some areas.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional records and a medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's left ear hearing loss.

The Veteran withdrew her appeals for the issues of hypertension, left leg/calf disability, left ear hearing loss, coronary artery disease (CAD), and a neck disability.,The Veteran's current left shoulder disability was not shown to be due to an in-service event, injury, or disease.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, and the Board has remanded these issues to obtain medical opinions.

The Veteran was granted TDIU prior to February 18, 2011, due to his service-connected disabilities that rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.