Hearing loss decisions — 2022

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability, skin disability other than seborrheic dermatitis, and hematomas.,While the Veteran reported and was treated for skin issues during service, she does not have a current diagnosis of any skin condition other than seborrheic dermatitis.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of updated medical records.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his military service. The decision is based on the Veteran's competent testimony regarding the onset of these conditions during service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not preclude his employability prior to January 1, 2012.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected.,His left knee and ankle disorders are not found to be related to his military service, with the exception of a right knee disorder that may be secondary to his left knee disorder. The claims for left knee and ankle disorders are remanded for further development.,The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is not found to be related to his military service.,His right knee disorder is also not found to be related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss and foot conditions. The claims are being returned to the AOJ for further development.

The Veteran's service connection claim for tinnitus is granted. The initial rating for his right thumb strain is granted at 10 percent, but the higher rating sought is denied. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an effective date prior to April 13, 2016, for entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The issues are inextricably intertwined with a claim of clear and unmistakable error (CUE) in the October 2008 rating decision.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetic peripheral neuropathy affecting his lower extremities and type 2 diabetes mellitus with associated erectile dysfunction and hearing loss, render him incapable of re-entering the workforce due to physical limitations. The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus but remanded the case for a VA examination to determine the etiology of any hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for cervical spine disability, bilateral shoulder disability, bilateral arm disability, bilateral hand disability, and bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy are not supported by evidence of a nexus to service. The VA examiners found no direct link between these conditions and active duty.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been dismissed as the appeal is moot due to his death.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is reopened, but the Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the etiology of his hearing loss.

Service connection is granted for a low back disability and tinnitus. Service connection is denied for right ear hearing loss.,The Veteran's left ear hearing loss claim is remanded.

The Board has denied a compensable initial disability rating for left ear hearing loss and remanded the issues of service connection for memory loss disorder, sleep disorder (including sleep apnea), eye disorder, thyroid disorder, and left shoulder disorder. The appeal is now pending again with the AOJ.

The Veteran's appeals for effective dates and service connection have been dismissed. The claim for left ear hearing loss has been reopened, but the rating remains remanded due to new evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is related to service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further consideration due to errors in obtaining VA and private treatment records. The Veteran's claims of higher initial ratings for bilateral hearing loss and entitlement to a TDIU will be reconsidered with the additional medical evidence.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is rated at 30 percent prior to June 24, 2021 and denied for a higher rating. The initial compensable rating of 10 percent for bilateral hearing loss was granted effective May 27, 2021.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and right shoulder condition due to inadequate opinions in the previous VA examination.