Hearing loss decisions — 2023

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to new evidence submitted since the final April 2015 decision. However, the issues of service connection remain remanded as further medical examination is needed to determine if the disabilities are related to in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's tinnitus is related to noise exposure during active service.,The Veteran does not currently have a left ear hearing loss disability for VA benefits purposes.,A left knee disability was not manifest during active service and is not otherwise related to service.,A right shoulder disability was not manifest during active service and is not otherwise related to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for major depressive disorder was granted, while the claim for bilateral hearing loss was denied.

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

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and herpes. The decision found that there was no current disability for either condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss due to inadequate VA examination opinions. The AOJ is instructed to conduct additional development, including obtaining an audiological evaluation and a nexus opinion.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and erectile dysfunction are all granted service connection. The Veteran's hypertension is granted under the PACT Act.,Service connection for hypertension was not addressed prior to the enactment of the PACT Act.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have been rated at 70 percent from September 7, 2017 to October 7, 2018. The effective date for service connection of bilateral hearing loss is denied.

Service connection is granted for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.,The Veteran's current low back condition, neck condition, right shoulder condition, and gastrointestinal disorder are all remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus do not meet the criteria for service connection as they are not diagnosed disabilities.,The Veteran's right knee condition is not related to his military service.

The Veteran's carpal tunnel syndrome, degenerative arthritis with right radiculopathy (lower back condition), and bilateral hearing loss have been granted service connection. The carpal tunnel syndrome is related to his active duty duties as a hull maintenance technician and damage controlman. The degenerative arthritis with right radiculopathy is presumed due to the Veteran's in-service injury, while the bilateral hearing loss is denied as there was no evidence of hearing loss during or within one year after service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating for individual unemployability (TDIU) as his service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment, despite meeting the schedular criteria for TDIU.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus, but has remanded them due to a need for further examination.

The Board has determined that remand is necessary for further development in the cases of bilateral hearing loss, left knee condition, right knee condition, and laceration of tongue.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequacies in a previous medical opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's hearing loss. The RO is instructed to obtain a new opinion from an appropriate clinician.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability. The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a bilateral hearing loss disability for VA compensation purposes.,Service connection for sleep apnea has been granted based on continuity of symptomatology since active service and credible lay testimony from the Veteran regarding his symptoms during service.,The Veteran's PTSD is rated as 70 percent disabling throughout the appeal period, with occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas due to symptoms such as difficulty adapting to stressful circumstances, impaired impulse control, and inability to establish effective relationships.,Service connection for back disability, including DDD and thoracic muscle spasms, has been remanded. The Veteran reported injuries during basic physical training (PT) and combat fitness training, but STRs are silent on these claims.,Service connection for right lower extremity radiculopathy and left lower extremity radiculopathy have also been remanded as there is insufficient evidence to determine the etiology of these conditions.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for urinary incontinence has not been addressed, as it was not part of his original appeal.,Further development is needed to clarify the Veteran's periods of qualifying service and verify any injuries reported during active duty.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that these conditions are causally related to his in-service noise exposure.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to additional evidentiary and procedural development being necessary. The dental treatment claim is also remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development and consideration, including obtaining medical opinions on the nature and etiology of any current psychiatric disorder, back disability, and right ear hearing loss. The broken nose claim is also being remanded.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and PTSD. The claims are now remanded for further development, including obtaining an addendum medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's hearing loss and a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD.