Hearing loss decisions — 2022

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is found to be at least as likely as not caused by his in-service noise exposure, and the claim for service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board denied an initial compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's audiometric results did not warrant a higher rating based on the VA examination findings and the applicable rating schedule.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether these conditions are related to noise exposure during service. The Veteran's statements regarding in-service noise exposure have been considered, and his lay testimony provides a sufficient basis to conclude that his current disabilities are related to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for frostbite of the bilateral hands, left ear hearing loss, dislocated fingers, and scoliosis due to incomplete records and need for further examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is granted. The claims for neck disability, left ankle disability, bilateral shin splints, and left toe disability are denied. The issue of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD), bilateral hearing loss, alopecia areata (hair loss), dizziness, sinusitis, obstructive sleep apnea, non-specific arthritis (claimed as joint pain, muscle pain, and painful joints), chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), shortness of breath, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis of tinnitus is attributable to his in-service noise exposure and his already service-connected hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss, left ear hearing loss, and an initial compensable rating for dermatophytosis and tinea pedis due to inadequate opinions in previous VA examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment, and therefore the claim for a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various conditions due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's in-service ear condition and exposure to herbicides. The TDIU and cause of death issues are also remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and hypertension due to the need for updated VA treatment records, a new VA examination for hearing loss, and an addendum opinion regarding hypertension.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeals for hearing loss and bipolar disorder have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal at a Board hearing.,The Veteran has been granted service connection for a skin condition, with reasonable doubt resolved in his favor.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection of a thyroid disorder due to exposure at Camp Lejeune. The Veteran contends his thyroid cancer is related to hazardous exposures during periods of service at Kadena Air Base, Subic Bay, Cubi Point, and Camp Lejeune.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, diabetes mellitus type II, diabetic retinopathy, and bilateral hearing loss are being remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's burn scars, right mandible of face and neck were denied an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent prior to October 18, 2021, and in excess of 50 percent thereafter.,The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was denied an initial compensable evaluation prior to January 29, 2016, and in excess of 20 percent thereafter.

The Veteran's claim for total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities prior to July 23, 2012 is being remanded as the Board finds there is sufficient evidence to warrant a referral to the Director of Compensation Service for extraschedular consideration.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated as noncompensable throughout the appeal period.,The Veteran's asthma has not been found to warrant a rating in excess of 30 percent.,The Veteran's chronic headaches have not been found to warrant a higher initial disability rating.,Service connection for hair loss (claimed as due to an undiagnosed illness) is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear hearing loss and denied service connection for right shoulder, right ankle, and left ankle disabilities. The Veteran's current conditions are found to be related to in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable, with an average puretone threshold of 21 decibels in both ears. The Board finds that a compensable rating is not warranted due to the Veteran's reported difficulty understanding speech in noisy environments.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and PTSD have been rated, but the genitourinary disability claim has been remanded. The Board found that a higher rating for either condition is not warranted.