Hearing loss decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, diabetes mellitus, Type II, and prostate cancer disabilities have all been denied.,There is no evidence of current disability or in-service incurrence of these conditions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that there is no evidence of a nexus between his current hearing loss and in-service noise exposure or head injuries. The Board considered multiple VA examinations and medical literature but concluded that the Veteran's hearing loss was not related to military service.

The Board has remanded the claims of bilateral hearing loss, increased rating for osteoarthritis, service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, and service connection for a left wrist disorder due to additional development being needed.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected hearing loss is remanded due to the need for updated medical records and an examination.

The Board has determined that there was not substantial compliance with the remand requests and thus, this claim must be returned to the RO for further development.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has been manifested by hearing acuity of no worse than Level III in the right ear and no worse than Level III in the left ear. The Board denied a compensable rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated as noncompensable due to audiometric test results showing no greater than Level I hearing loss in both ears.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was granted service connection as it is considered a disease of the nervous system and his statements, combined with significant in-service noise exposure without protection, establish continuous symptoms since service.

The Board denied service connection for tinnitus due to a lack of evidence showing its onset during or within one year after service. The Veteran's hearing loss was remanded as the VA examiner did not consider threshold shifts between induction and separation.,The VA examiner opined that the right hand disability is more likely than not related to an in-service left finger sprain, but further clarification is needed regarding its relationship with the current bilateral hand osteoarthritis.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for bladder diverticulum status post TURP and an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss. The issue of entitlement to a total disability unemployability (TDIU) and CUE regarding the thoracic spine disability is also on appeal.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, sleep apnea, and COPD with asthma secondary to the Veteran's service-connected residuals of TBI with persistent depressive disorder. The initial disability rating for residuals of TBI is also granted at 100 percent.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a bilateral hearing loss disability is granted, as new evidence has been submitted and the Board finds that his in-service noise exposure likely caused his current condition.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss has been denied, and the case is remanded due to the need for updated VA examination. The Veteran's TDIU claim is also remanded as his employment history needs clarification.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating for left ear hearing loss prior to October 20, 2022 and for bilateral hearing loss thereafter. For knee disabilities, the Veteran was granted a noncompensable rating for left knee instability after October 25, 2022 and a rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee instability. The low back disability claim was also remanded.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination, as new evidence was added to the claims file since the last decision. The Veteran's service connection claims are being reviewed due to the addition of new evidence.

The Board has remanded the case to determine if extraschedular consideration is warranted for bilateral hearing loss, and to refer the matter to the Director of Compensation Service.

The Veteran's appeal has been remanded due to inadequate VA examinations and opinions regarding his claims of service connection for anemia, prostate disorder, and skin condition. The issues of service connection for these conditions are now pending.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hearing loss and vertigo under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 due to concerns about VA's delay in scheduling appropriate care, which may have caused or exacerbated his disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for hearing loss on a presumptive basis due to continuous symptoms since service separation, and the claim is reopened.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for right ear hearing loss and sleep apnea with CPAP due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology. The VA will need to provide a new examination and opinion.