Hearing loss decisions — 2023

The Veteran's impairment of rectal sphincter control, post-hemorrhoidectomy, is granted with a 30 percent evaluation. The other conditions (bilateral hearing loss and hemorrhoids) are not rated as compensable.

The Board has granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance due to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, which include posttraumatic stress disorder, right knee limitations, tinnitus, left ear hearing loss, and other conditions. The evidence shows that the Veteran requires significant assistance with daily activities such as dressing, bathing, grooming, and attending to hygiene needs.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability as defined by VA regulations.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for lumbosacral strain was denied. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss and hip disorder, hypertension, and lung disorder were granted. The claims for service connection for these conditions are remanded due to the need for additional development regarding exposure history.

The Board has determined that the May 2019 VA medical examination was inadequate and remanded for further evaluation of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for service connection of traumatic brain injury and migraine headaches, but granted them. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied.

The Veteran's petition to reopen the claim for service connection for right ear hearing loss was denied. Claims for increased ratings of various hip and knee disorders, as well as left leg shin splints, were also denied.

The Board has granted service connection for hearing loss under Chapter 17 of title 38 U.S.C. and remanded the claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, Anxiety, and Depression) and a bilateral knee disability.

The appeal of the claim for PTSD and increased rating for tinnitus are dismissed.,The appeals for reinstatement of left metatarsal and knee disabilities ratings, as well as entitlement to service connection for hearing loss and a left ankle disability are remanded.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and right hamstring disorder, but has remanded the cases for further development. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is granted as at least as likely as not related to his in-service noise exposure. Service connection for right hamstring disorder remains on appeal due to lack of a diagnosed condition during the period on appeal. The left knee RPPS rating is also remanded.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted due to the combined effect of his service-connected disabilities, which render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected, with the Board finding that it is at least as likely as not related to in-service hazardous noise exposure.,The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is denied as service-connected, with the Board concluding that there is no persuasive evidence showing a nexus between his current condition and active service.,PTSD is remanded for further development including verification of stressors and provision of a VA psychiatric opinion.,An acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD (to include depression and anxiety) is also remanded, with the same considerations as PTSD.,Essential tremors of the left and right hands are remanded due to their potential connection to PTSD or an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has reopened the previously denied claims of service connection for various conditions, including back condition, bilateral hearing loss, hypertension, right ankle condition, ganglion cyst, GI condition, and acquired psychiatric disorder. The appeals are granted to this extent.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability has been manifested by hearing acuity of no worse than Level II in the right ear and no worse than Level III in the left ear. The criteria for a compensable rating have not been met.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for left ear hearing loss is denied, and the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is remanded.

The Veteran was granted TDIU from April 1, 2017, through September 9, 2018.,As of September 10, 2018, the Veteran's combined disability rating reached 100%, making the issue moot and dismissed.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied, and his claim for service connection for tinnitus is remanded due to inadequate examination.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development and consideration due to inadequate opinions regarding the Veteran's hearing loss and leg conditions.

The Veteran's petition to reopen claims for low back, right knee, and left knee conditions were denied due to lack of new and material evidence.,Service connection for left ear hearing loss was granted based on in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened and granted for bilateral ankle, knee, and OSA disabilities. Service connection has also been granted for left ear hearing loss but denied for right ear hearing loss.,Remaining issues of service connection are remanded for further review.