Hearing loss decisions — 2023

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and right ear hearing loss, but denied service connection for left ear hearing loss. The decision is based on the Veteran's in-service neurological injury leading to tinnitus, continuous acoustic trauma during service resulting in right ear hearing loss, and no evidence of left ear hearing loss meeting VA criteria.

The Veteran's service-connected TBI and headaches have prevented him from maintaining substantially gainful employment since August 29, 2012. The Board granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) effective that date.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's right ear hearing loss, specifically whether it is mixed and related to noise exposure during service.

The Board has identified new evidence that was not considered in the previous decision and has ordered its consideration. The Veteran's claims for service connection on multiple conditions are being remanded to allow for further review of this new evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of bilateral hearing loss, bilateral pes planus with plantar fascitis, or gastroesophageal reflux disease. The Veteran's seborrheic dermatitis was diagnosed during service and is considered to be related to service. Headaches are denied as well.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, chronic fatigue syndrome, sleep apnea, and restless leg syndrome due to insufficient evidence in the record. The issues are being returned for further development including obtaining additional medical opinions and records.

The Board dismissed all claims due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to an inadequate examination. The Veteran was exposed to noise during service, and a new examination is needed to assess whether his hearing loss and tinnitus are related to this exposure.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate opinions in previous VA examinations and requires a new examination with an appropriate examiner.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection of left ear hearing loss. The issues of service connection for bilateral foot disability and right ear hearing loss are remanded due to new evidence received since the last final rating decision.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability has not improved, and the reduction of his rating from 10 percent to zero percent was improper. The Board restored the 10 percent rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss effective February 1, 2019.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral hearing loss disability has been reopened. Service connection for granulomatous disease is granted under the PACT Act. The claims for service connection for a lung disability are remanded.

The Board has determined that the RO did not obtain all necessary VA treatment records, including a March 2019 audiogram evaluation. The case is being remanded to obtain these records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development and examination to determine the nature and cause of his claimed conditions, including whether they are related to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss as there was no evidence of a current disability meeting VA criteria.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for right knee arthritis is denied.,The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for right knee arthritis (limitation of flexion) prior to June 15, 2018 is denied.,The Veteran's claim for a separate compensable rating for right knee arthritis (limitation of extension) from April 24, 2012 is granted.,The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for status post right total knee replacement is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear hearing loss and bilateral tinnitus, but denied service connection for right ear hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability had its onset during active duty service and grants entitlement to service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and whether his service-connected tinnitus caused or aggravated it.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate VA examination, and a new one must be conducted to determine if the Veteran's hearing loss disability is related to service.