Hearing loss decisions — 2022

The Board has decided to remand the case due to issues with reliability of the Veteran's responses during a previous VA audiological examination. The Veteran will be given another opportunity for an examination.

The Veteran's tinnitus has been found to be related to his military service, and thus granted.,Bilateral hearing loss was not shown during service or post-service, and is denied.

The Board dismissed all requests to reopen service connection claims for various conditions due to the Veteran's representative withdrawing the appeal in August 2020.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for left ear hearing loss and a compensable rating for right ear hearing loss due to lack of evidence meeting VA criteria for hearing loss disabilities. The Appellant is asked to provide records from an otolaryngologist who diagnosed bilateral symmetric hearing loss related to in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's combined schedular rating has been total since September 25, 2014. The Board denied the claim of TDIU prior to October 12, 2020, as his service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, acne (including scarring), and tinnitus due to new evidence indicating worsening of symptoms since the last examination. The effective dates for service connection are also being remanded as VA treatment records may be missing.

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

The Board has remanded the claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities. The Veteran's tinnitus is found to prevent him from obtaining or maintaining a substantially gainful occupation, warranting referral for extraschedular consideration.

The Board has restored the Veteran's 20% rating for bilateral hearing loss, but has remanded the issue of service connection for a pulmonary disability (COPD and lung cancer).

The Board has decided to remand several issues related to the Veteran's claims for service connection, including his right shoulder condition, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, acquired psychiatric disorder, skeletal arthritis, and skin condition. The decision is based on the need for additional examinations and records.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is withdrawn. The Veteran's right ankle pain claim is granted, but the respiratory disability and left foot condition claims are remanded due to lack of a current diagnosis.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and increased ratings for various conditions have been dismissed due to his death. The Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of these claims as he passed away during their pendency.

The Veteran's initial claim for a compensable rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss prior to November 8, 2017, was denied. For the period from November 8, 2017, to May 29, 2019, he received a 20 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's request to reopen claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, vertigo, and sleep apnea has been granted.,The requests to reopen previously denied claims for service connection for vertigo and sleep apnea are remanded.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings on multiple service-connected disabilities are being remanded due to the submission of recent medical records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, left ankle strain, and right ankle strain due to incomplete records and inadequate medical opinions.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to lack of current disability. The issues of service connection for left shoulder, low back, and cervical spine conditions as well as sleep apnea are remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's tinnitus and left ear hearing loss have been granted service connection. The initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is remanded, as well as the rating in excess of 30 percent disabling for cardiovascular residuals (myocardial infarction).

The Veteran's TDIU claim for the period from January 22, 2019 to April 2, 2021 is granted. The claims for increased ratings of left knee strain and instability are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for his bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for additional VA audiological examination and treatment records review.