Hearing loss decisions — 2023

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability (claimed as PTSD) and for increased rating for bilateral hearing loss. The evidence did not support a current diagnosis of any acquired psychiatric disability, nor was there sufficient evidence to establish service connection based on direct service connection or aggravation of a pre-existing condition. For his bilateral hearing loss, the Veteran's pure tone thresholds were within normal limits with no significant speech discrimination impairment.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was denied as his service-connected hearing loss and tinnitus did not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.,The Veteran's SMC based on aid and attendance or housebound status claim was denied due to the presence of nonservice-connected disabilities that contributed to his need for assistance.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied as he does not have a current disability for VA purposes.,The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 70 percent, and the Board found that this rating is appropriate given his symptoms.

The Board has granted service connection for intervertebral disc syndrome (claimed as lower back condition) and denied the claims for right ear hearing loss, acquired psychiatric disorder, and an effective date prior to June 30, 2016.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to lack of in-service evidence and potential TERA exposure.,Service connection for a sleep disorder (including sleep apnea) is remanded due to potential TERA exposure.,Service connection for any acquired psychiatric disorder is remanded due to potential TERA exposure.,Service connection for headaches, to include as secondary to a service-connected disability, is remanded due to potential TERA exposure.,Service connection for a back condition is remanded due to lack of in-service evidence and potential TERA exposure.,Service connection for a left shoulder condition is remanded due to lack of in-service evidence and potential TERA exposure.,Service connection for a right shoulder condition is remanded due to lack of in-service evidence and potential TERA exposure.,Service connection for a left ankle condition is remanded due to lack of in-service evidence and potential TERA exposure.,Service connection for a right ankle condition is remanded due to lack of in-service evidence and potential TERA exposure.

The Veteran's hearing loss and TDIU claims are being remanded for further evaluation. A VA examination is needed to assess the current severity of his bilateral hearing loss, and the RO must request that he complete a formal TDIU application form.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease, PTSD, diabetes mellitus type II, tinnitus, and left ear hearing loss, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board finds that he is entitled to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied, while his claim for tinnitus is granted.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection. The issues of bilateral hearing loss, right knee disability, left knee disability, cervical spine disability, and thoracolumbar spine disability are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and left shoulder strain are being remanded due to the need for further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that there was no evidence of a significant threshold shift from induction to discharge and concluding that any hearing loss occurring following service is less likely as not caused by or a result of noise exposure while in service.

The Board has decided to remand the appellant's claims for service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as his earlier effective date claim for PTSD and a higher rating for asthma. The AOJ is required to obtain additional evidence and provide the appellant with examinations.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral hearing loss, right foot condition, sinus condition, and migraines due to insufficient medical opinions and lack of evidence addressing service connection.

The petition to reopen the previously denied service connection claim for a right hand burn scar with sensitivity to cold is granted.,The petition to reopen the previously denied service connection claim for bilateral hand arthritis is granted.

The Veteran's service connection claim for bilateral hearing loss is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability meeting VA criteria for hearing loss.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, right ear hearing loss, and tinnitus. Service connection was denied for left ear hearing loss.

The Veteran's claim for right ear hearing loss has been dismissed as the Regional Office granted it.,Left ear hearing loss is now service-connected, with a current disability and a causal relationship to in-service noise exposure.

The Board denied service connection for a right hand disability other than cervical radiculopathy of the right upper extremity.,The Board also denied entitlement to a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for bilateral hearing loss is denied as there is no evidence of more than the currently assigned rating prior to July 25, 2022 and after that date.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and remanded the issue of service connection for lumbar spine disability due to insufficient evidence.