Hearing loss decisions — 2022

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary for the Veteran to undergo VA examinations and obtain additional medical records. The issues of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss, peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and visual disorder are all being remanded due to the need for further examination and evaluation.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions did not manifest in service or within one year thereafter and are not otherwise causally related to his military service.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss is granted as service-connected. The bilateral pes planus and right and left foot plantar fasciitis are denied due to lack of aggravation beyond the natural progression.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including left ear hearing loss and hypertension. The reasons for remand include obtaining additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.,Several initial rating claims have also been remanded, including those for shoulder, hip, knee, and spine disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal was denied as he did not meet the criteria for additional VR&E benefits, other than employment services, to include a master's degree in pursuit of a career as a PA.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's skin disability and bilateral hearing loss disability are service-connected, but further development is needed for the hearing loss claim.

The Veteran's claim for bilateral hearing loss is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability.,The Veteran's claim for a pulmonary disability, to include bronchitis, is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability.

The Veteran's hearing loss has been rated as noncompensable, with an average pure tone threshold of 46 in the right ear and 48 in the left ear. The Board found that this did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and lymphoma due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding a claimed bilateral hearing loss disability. The Veteran's service records do not show any current hearing loss, but there is conflicting evidence from a private audiologist that needs clarification and validation.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and remanded the issues of service connection for left knee disability and right knee disability due to lack of evidence meeting VA criteria for a current disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss. The VA needs to obtain an addendum opinion from the examiner that addresses whether any in-service noise exposure during qualifying periods of active duty for training and/or other Federal service caused his bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's claim for an increase in his service-connected bilateral hearing loss disability is remanded due to the need for a new examination. Additionally, the relationship between his dizziness and his hearing loss disability needs to be addressed.

The Board has remanded several claims for further development and review.,The Veteran's sleep apnea claim is being reviewed to determine if it is secondary to his service-connected psychiatric disability (Chronic Adjustment Disorder).,The matter of whether the Veteran's Mild Neurocognitive Disorder (manifesting as memory loss) is secondary to his newly service-connected psychiatric disability will be submitted for review.,The Board has remanded several claims related to sleep apnea and its relationship to the Veteran's service-connected inguinal hernia and surgical scar.,Several skin disorder claims are being reviewed, including whether they are secondary to exposure to herbicide agents or other chemicals.,The Veteran's hypertension claim is being reviewed for secondary service connection based on his service-connected inguinal hernia and/or exposure to herbicide agents.,The Veteran's diabetes mellitus claim is also being reviewed for secondary service connection based on his service-connected inguinal hernia and/or exposure to herbicide agents.,Several other claims are being remanded, including those related to sleep apnea, memory loss, skin disorders, heart disorder, sinus disorder, left shoulder disorder, gout, knee disorder, leg disorder, visual disorder, prostate disorder, foot disorder, and thyroid disorder.,The Veteran's TDIU claim is also being reviewed.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss due to procedural issues, including a failure to perfect an appeal. The Veteran's statements regarding his hearing loss will be considered in a new examination.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to his in-service noise exposure. The decision on bilateral hearing loss remains pending as a remand was ordered.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss since June 11, 2014 is denied. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's conditions preexisted his active duty and were not aggravated by it.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been dismissed due to their death.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of adequate reasons and bases for denying service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered with an examination by an ENT specialist.