Hearing loss decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been denied as he does not have a current disability.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, sleep apnea, hypertension, and a broken right hand are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss was denied. For the period prior to July 6, 2020, a rating higher than 10 percent is not warranted. For the period from July 6, 2020, a rating higher than 30 percent is also not warranted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss is being remanded due to the addition of new and updated VA treatment records, private treatment records, and VA examinations to his claims file. The RO needs to consider this additional evidence before making a decision.

The Veteran's asthma, diabetes mellitus type II, hearing loss, tinnitus, and sarcoidosis claims have been granted. The Veteran is also entitled to a rating for hypertension but not an increased rating. His service connection claims for diabetes mellitus, left lower extremity neuropathy, bilateral hearing loss, and chronic fatigue syndrome are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral foot disorder and left ear hearing loss due to insufficient evidence, including incomplete medical records. The Veteran is also requested to provide authorization for any pre-2009 treatment records.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of his service-connected lumbosacral strain and bilateral hearing loss were denied. The Board also determined that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen the claims for service connection for TBI, an acquired psychiatric disorder, a headache disorder, a sleep disorder (claimed as obstructive sleep apnea), and a gastrointestinal disorder (claimed as irritable bowel syndrome).

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there is no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's claims for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and a rating in excess of 10 percent for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with Barrett's esophagus are remanded due to the need for new examinations.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus as there is insufficient evidence regarding their etiology due to unreliable test results from a previous VA examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, right temporal arteritis, and rheumatoid arthritis due to incomplete development of records. The Veteran's service connection claims will be reconsidered after obtaining all relevant medical records.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied as his hearing acuity has been manifested by Level I in both ears, which corresponds to a noncompensable disability rating.

The Veteran's initial compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss prior to September 23, 2022 has been denied.,The Veteran's initial rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral hearing loss since September 23, 2022 has also been denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient opinions regarding the Veteran's eye condition and diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss is rated at zero percent, as the evidence does not support a compensable rating.,The Veteran's left shoulder subacromial bursitis is currently rated at twenty percent. The Board has remanded this issue for further development.

The Board has denied service connection for hearing loss and respiratory disorder due to lack of evidence showing current disability.,The Veteran's claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is remanded as the stressor verification process needs to be completed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to incomplete medical records and the need for further examinations. The claims will be reconsidered after these steps are completed.

The Board denied increased ratings for radiculopathy of the lower extremities and spondylolysis, but granted service connection for hearing loss in the left ear. The effective date remains unchanged.

The Board has denied service connection for interstitial lung disease and remanded the issue of service connection for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral hearing loss. The Board granted a 20 percent rating for residuals of cold weather injury, right hand and a 20 percent rating for residuals of cold weather injury, left hand.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for right hip disability and bilateral hearing loss due to inadequate opinions on service connection. The Veteran is seeking service connection for his right hip disability, which he contends began during service or was aggravated by a pre-existing right ankle disability. For his bilateral hearing loss, he contends it is related to noise exposure in service.