Hearing loss decisions — 2023

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss disability is rated at 10 percent since December 4, 2019. The appeal for a higher rating or TDIU was denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for extraschedular consideration.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated at 30 percent prior to October 19, 2022, and at 40 percent thereafter. The Board has denied a higher rating for the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss.,The issues of service connection for left knee disability, right knee disability, bronchial asthma, and COPD are remanded due to insufficient development regarding the Veteran's exposure history and medical opinions.,TDIU prior to December 9, 2020 is remanded as it may be impacted by the outcome of the other service connection claims.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development, including obtaining relevant treatment records and scheduling VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's enlarged spleen and liver disorders.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at the highest available level of 50 percent, and his bilateral hearing loss is granted. The Veteran also receives a grant for TDIU.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for increased ratings and compensation for various conditions, including PTSD, corneal retinal scar, ulna fracture, and bilateral hearing loss. The Board dismissed the appeal as these issues were withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that his claim for an increased rating is denied.,The Veteran contends he has a vision disability secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus. The Board finds no evidence of a current vision disability and concludes that service connection for this issue is also denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to the Veteran's incarceration and failure to report for VA examinations.,The Board has also remanded the case for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any left leg disorder, acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD), bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, ear disorder other than bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, and sleep apnea that may be present.,Additional records have been obtained since the last decision, including VA treatment records. The AOJ should ensure compliance with these directives and take any corrective action if needed.,The Board notes that the issue of entitlement to service connection for sleep apnea is inextricably intertwined with the issue of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for sarcoidosis, finding that there is no evidence of a chronic condition during or within one year after service. The Board also found that the Veteran's in-service symptoms did not relate to his later-diagnosed sarcoidosis.,The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to inadequate medical opinion regarding noise exposure during service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals on all issues, including those for increased ratings and service connection. The Board dismissed the appeal due to the Veteran's withdrawal.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions regarding the etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate medical opinion regarding the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, which is related to in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is not rated as compensable, with the most probative evidence showing no significant impairment.,There is insufficient evidence to establish a current left eye disability related to service. The Veteran's ptosis began in 2006 and was not present during his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for status post right knee arthroscopy with residual osteoarthritis, acquired psychiatric disorder (adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood), and bilateral hearing loss have been granted. The claim for service connection for hepatitis C has been remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to additional evidence received after certification to the Board.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to inadequate VA examinations for his musculoskeletal disabilities and hearing loss. The claims are also inextricably intertwined with the issue of service connection for left ear hearing loss.

The Board denied an extraschedular rating for bilateral hearing loss with auditory processing disorder, finding that the disability picture is adequately contemplated by the schedular criteria and does not meet the requirements for an extraschedular evaluation due to lack of marked interference with employment or frequent hospitalization.

The Board has remanded the claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss due to the lack of a VA audiogram in the file. The Veteran's service dates are from June 1973 to June 1995.

The Veteran's thoracic spine disability is granted as secondary to his service-connected low back disability.,Right ear hearing loss is granted and an effective date of September 5, 2000 (but not earlier) for the award of separate ratings for right knee postoperative scars is granted.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss, leading to their dismissal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is not related to his military service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.