Hearing loss decisions — 2023

The Board has granted service connection for kyphoscoliosis of the thoracic spine. Service connection is remanded for left knee disability and bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's application to reopen a claim of service connection for right ear hearing loss was granted. However, the Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss as there is no evidence of current disability.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to the possibility of worsening since his last VA examination in July 2016.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II as due to herbicide agent exposure is remanded because there may be new evidence indicating exposure within the territorial waters of Guam or the Republic of Vietnam during his active duty service.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction as secondary to diabetes mellitus, type II is remanded due to the possibility that the condition has worsened since the last VA examination in July 2016.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is remanded because there may be new evidence indicating exposure within the territorial waters of Guam or the Republic of Vietnam during his active duty service.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic kidney disease is remanded due to the possibility that there may be new evidence indicating exposure within the territorial waters of Guam or the Republic of Vietnam during his active duty service.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine disorder is remanded because there may be new evidence indicating exposure within the territorial waters of Guam or the Republic of Vietnam during his active duty service.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right shoulder disorder is remanded due to the possibility that there may be new evidence indicating exposure within the territorial waters of Guam or the Republic of Vietnam during his active duty service.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left shoulder disorder is remanded due to the possibility that there may be new evidence indicating exposure within the territorial waters of Guam or the Republic of Vietnam during his active duty service.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee scar is remanded because there may be new evidence indicating exposure within the territorial waters of Guam or the Republic of Vietnam during his active duty service.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for presbyopia is denied as refractive errors are not considered diseases or injuries under VA regulations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is granted. The cases for bilateral hearing loss, lung condition, and eczema are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, right knee condition, and right leg condition are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for an initial, compensable disability rating prior to April 28, 2023 and in excess of 10 percent thereafter for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the lack of VA treatment records from New Bedford VA Clinic.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is granted as secondary to his service-connected disabilities. His bilateral hearing loss and headaches are denied, while his TBI, back disability, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy receive initial ratings.

The Veteran's umbilical hernia residuals are currently rated as 20 percent disabling. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied due to the lack of current diagnosis and evidence of hearing impairment for VA purposes.

The Veteran is seeking additional retroactive VA disability compensation benefits under the CRSC program for the period from December 2011 to April 2015, and he also wants to know if it was proper to withhold his VA disability compensation benefits due to a retired pay adjustment. The Board has ordered further action to review these issues.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his unspecified depressive disorder and bilateral hearing loss. The Board also granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to the combined effect of these service-connected conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for pre-existing hearing loss in both the right and left ears, finding that there was an increase in severity during service without clear and unmistakable evidence of natural progression. The Veteran's exposure to noise trauma while on active duty is acknowledged, as are his symptoms of hearing loss since discharge.

The Board denied service connection for fatigue and left ear hearing loss, finding that the Veteran did not have a current diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome or a current disability for VA compensation purposes.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral lower extremity lymphedema and remanded the hearing loss claim. The claims are being returned to the RO for additional development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional evidence and examinations. The AOJ will obtain updated VA treatment records, conduct further development as needed, and schedule appropriate VA examinations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and tinnitus have been granted. The effective dates are set at May 16, 2015.,The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for IBS has been denied.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has been rated at 0 percent, as the audiometric test results do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a medical opinion regarding the Veteran's need for regular aid and attendance based on her service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's migraine headaches and bilateral hearing loss are granted service connection. The back, left knee, and right hip disabilities remain pending.,Service connection for migraines is established as the condition was first noted during active duty.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss as secondary to his service-connected tinnitus disability, finding that there is at least a balance of evidence in favor of this determination.