Hearing loss decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claim for service connection for headaches was denied because the evidence did not support a link between his current headaches and active service. His claim for TDIU prior to September 25, 2015 was also denied as he had multiple service-connected disabilities that did not preclude his employability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that he does not have a diagnosed disability as defined by VA regulations.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim of service connection for right ear hearing loss disability is remanded due to insufficient evidence in the current record regarding the etiology of his condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's applications to reopen his claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus because no new and material evidence was presented, and thus, the criteria for reopening the claims were not met.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of right ear hearing loss for VA purposes and did not have one at any time during the pendency of his claim or in close proximity to the filing of his claim. Therefore, service connection for right ear hearing loss is denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection on appeal are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions. The issues include bilateral hearing loss, heart disorder, headaches, hypertension, erectile dysfunction, visual disorder, skin disorders, and respiratory disorders.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss prior to July 18, 2022, and in excess of 10 percent thereafter has been denied. The effective date for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder is remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, neck disability, left arm disability, and left shoulder disability due to insufficient evidence in the record. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable prior to September 15, 2022 and as 40 percent disabling from that date. The Board finds no basis for a higher rating.,The Veteran's service-connected bilateral cataracts are currently rated as noncompensable. The Board finds no basis for a higher rating.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is not service-connected as there was no evidence of in-service noise exposure and the current disability did not manifest within one year after separation from active duty.,The Veteran's stomach ulcers are not service-connected due to lack of continuity of symptomatology since service or a diagnosis within one year of discharge.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been reopened. The Board has determined that the evidence is sufficient to reopen the claims, but remanded for further development as a VA examination is needed to determine if the conditions are related to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding VA audiometric testing results that are relevant to the claims on appeal. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss claim is being reviewed again as a result.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current condition is etiologically related to his in-service noise exposure and resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence being submitted and not previously considered, and requests a waiver of AOJ review. The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is now pending.

The Board has remanded the case due to inconsistencies in the audiological records and failure of the Veteran to report for a VA examination. The examiner is requested to determine if the current left ear hearing loss was incurred during active military service.

The Veteran's appeals for effective dates earlier than December 28, 2015, for the grants of service connection for PTSD, left ear hearing loss, and tinnitus have been dismissed. The Board has also remanded the issues of entitlement to an increased rating for PTSD, a compensable rating for left ear hearing loss, and entitlement to TDIU.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was denied ratings in excess of the current assigned ratings.,The Veteran's migraines were granted a 50 percent rating effective July 12, 2017.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development, including service connection claims for various conditions. The Veteran's hearing loss in the right ear does not meet VA criteria for a disability, thus denying service connection for that condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there was not sufficient evidence to establish a relationship between these conditions and his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and left knee disorder, finding no evidence of current disabilities or a nexus to service. The claim for service connection for left shoulder disorder is remanded.