Hearing loss decisions — 2023

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for hearing loss and ear condition, residuals of traumatic brain injury (TBI), and right elbow nerve condition. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions began during or were related to service.

The Board has remanded the case to determine if an extraschedular rating is warranted for the Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss, as his use of hearing aids causes additional symptoms not contemplated by the current schedular criteria.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's pre-existing hearing loss was aggravated by active duty service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated as noncompensable, and his tension headaches are currently rated at 10 percent. The case is REMANDED for a VA examination to assess the severity of the right ankle strain.,The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under the applicable rating schedule.,The Veteran's service-connected tension headaches do not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent, as his attacks are less frequent than once every two months.

The Board found that the Veteran's left ear hearing loss pre-existed service and was not aggravated by service, thus denying service connection.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for prostate cancer, sleep apnea, and hearing loss due to insufficient medical opinions and missing audiogram results.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection were dismissed. The appeal for bilateral hearing loss was dismissed due to the Veteran withdrawing his appeal. Appeals for stomach ulcers and a skin disorder were also dismissed.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss has been rated as non-compensable, and his left ear hearing loss has resulted in a combined rating of non-compensable. The Board denied an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss.,Service connection was granted for the Veteran's right hip condition based on evidence linking it to service. However, the claim for service connection for the right foot condition is remanded due to lack of examination documentation.

The Veteran's pleural plaques, hearing loss, and tinnitus have been granted a 100% disability rating. The claim for TDIU is dismissed as the Veteran's service-connected disabilities already meet this requirement. SMC based on aid and attendance has also been granted.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, sleep apnea, and a respiratory disorder (asthma) as these conditions are related to the Veteran's active duty service.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to insufficient opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea. The Veteran is granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, which are currently considered service-connected.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus due to inadequate medical opinions provided in March 2023. Additional development is needed, including obtaining an addendum opinion from a qualified examiner.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss and PTSD, rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation as of September 21, 2015. The Board has remanded the issue for further development.

The Veteran's right-sided hearing loss and tinnitus have been granted service connection. The case for left-sided hearing loss, left foot condition, and right foot condition is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension and bilateral hearing loss disability has been denied as there is no evidence of a current disability for VA purposes.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss. The examiner is asked to provide an opinion on whether it is at least as likely as not that the Veteran's sensorineural hearing loss had its onset during service or is otherwise due to in-service noise exposure, including from working around helicopters and artillery. Additionally, the examiner should determine if the Veteran's hearing loss manifested to a compensable degree within one year of his separation from active service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for chronic fatigue syndrome, bilateral hearing loss, and a skin disability (cellulitis and abscesses) due to insufficient evidence in the record.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's hearing loss is related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not currently have bilateral hearing loss for VA disability compensation purposes, and therefore denied his claim of service connection for this condition.