Hearing loss decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, right foot disability, left foot disability, and erectile dysfunction have been denied. The claim for hypertension is being remanded for further development.,For the issues of entitlement to service connection for a right foot disability, left foot disability, and erectile dysfunction, as well as hypertension, the Board finds that additional evidence or examination may be needed to determine if these conditions are related to active duty service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete records from Fort Belvoir and Andrews Air Force Base. The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss will be returned for further development.

The Veteran's application to reopen the previously denied claim for entitlement to service connection for a left leg disability, previously claimed as weakness in bilateral legs is granted.,The Veteran's application to reopen the previously denied claim for entitlement to service connection for a left knee disability, previously claimed as weakness in bilateral legs is granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, a neck condition, and a back condition due to insufficient medical evidence to resolve these claims. The Veteran must be afforded examinations on remand to assess the nature and etiology of any current disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims for left ear hearing loss, an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, and a dental condition due to missing VA examinations.

The Board has remanded several issues including increased ratings for various service-connected conditions and a TDIU claim due to the submission of additional evidence after an SSOC was issued.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated at a 40 percent disability rating from July 31, 2018 to September 7, 2022. The appeal for higher ratings prior to and after this period remains denied.

The Veteran's asthma, tinnitus, and related conditions are now service-connected. The Board has determined that additional examinations and remands are necessary for further analysis of the remaining issues.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for diabetes mellitus was denied as the evidence did not show that he required regulation of activities to manage his diabetes.,The Veteran's claims for an initial compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss prior to March 22, 2023 and a disability rating higher than 20 percent for bilateral hearing loss from March 22, 2023 were denied as the evidence did not show that he required regulation of activities to manage his diabetes.,The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating higher than 10 percent for bilateral cataracts with diabetic retinopathy prior to March 30, 2023 and a disability rating higher than 50 percent for bilateral cataracts with diabetic retinopathy from March 30, 2023 was denied as the evidence did not show that he required regulation of activities to manage his diabetes.,The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability prior to March 30, 2023 was remanded.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated at a 10 percent disability rating as of August 6, 2019. The claim was granted for this period.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and the need for additional evidence. The Veteran's service-connected conditions are considered, but his lay statements regarding needing aid and attendance are also taken into account.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection and SMC have been remanded due to the submission of a timely Notice of Disagreement (NOD) under the legacy system, which has now been accepted by the Board.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased evaluation for bilateral hearing loss prior to March 1, 2016 was denied. An initial 10 percent evaluation is granted from March 1, 2016 to December 2, 2022.,An initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for bilateral hearing loss from March 1, 2016 is denied.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, hypertension (HTN), and diabetes mellitus, type II (DM II) are all granted as service-connected due to exposure to PFAS in contaminated drinking water at Fort Huachuca, Arizona.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU prior to April 3, 2017 are being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records and examination.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for service-connected bilateral hearing loss is remanded. The Board also requests additional VA examinations and medical opinions regarding the Veteran's subjective complaints related to her hearing loss, as well as to obtain audiograms from August 2023 to present.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's hearing loss is related to service, including in-service noise exposure.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection of left ear hearing loss and left knee conditions. The Veteran's PTSD is granted with a 100% disability rating, effective from May 17, 2018, and TDIU is also granted.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was rated at 20 percent prior to October 11, 2022, and remains at that level thereafter. The Board found no evidence of increased disability warranting a higher rating.

The Veteran's service connection for bilateral hearing loss is granted due to in-service noise exposure, and the Board finds that the current hearing loss disability is related to this exposure.