Hearing loss decisions — 2023

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, a bilateral knee condition, a bilateral shoulder condition, and a sleep disorder. The remaining issues of service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, respiratory issues, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis are being remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a need for clarification and additional medical opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral tinnitus has been granted.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and residuals of inactive pulmonary tuberculosis exposure are remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss disabilities and tinnitus due to inadequate VA examinations. The claims must be returned for new examinations and opinions.

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

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, a back disability, and various extremity disabilities are not granted. The cases have been remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding whether these conditions were aggravated by his obesity.

The Board has denied service connection for hypoglycemia as it is a laboratory finding and not a disability subject to service connection. The remaining issues are remanded due to the need for further development regarding the Veteran's claimed disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, lumbar spondylosis, and PTSD with alcohol use disorder are denied. The claim for an increased initial rating for lumbar spondylosis is granted at a 20 percent rating.

The Veteran's service connection for bilateral hearing loss and allergic rhinitis is granted, with a separate rating of 10% assigned for ethmoid and maxillary sinusitis since September 19, 2019.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are as likely as not of such nature and severity as to prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment since November 30, 2018.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding exposure to herbicide agents, and the need for further medical opinions on the etiology of his conditions.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence has been received to reopen the previously denied claims of service connection for cervical fusion C3-C7 and bilateral hearing loss. The claims are now remanded due to a duty-to-assist error.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate medical opinion regarding the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss. The matter is being returned for further evaluation and consideration.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability may be related to service, but more evidence is needed before a final decision can be made.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities prior to September 23, 2019 is denied as the evidence does not demonstrate he was unemployed or marginally employed due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient notice and clarification of reasons for denial, as well as legal adequacy issues. The Veteran's eligibility for PCAFC benefits will be reconsidered under appropriate criteria.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar strain, cervical strain, right hip status post arthroplasty, left hip status post arthroplasty, right foot arthritis, hammertoes, flat foot, tailor's bunion, metatarsalgia, and neurological disturbances, as well as bilateral hearing loss. The relationship to service is found in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is granted as service-connected, effective December 13, 2021.,Effective December 13, 2021, the Veteran is granted service connection for asthma, rhinitis, and sinusitis.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for traumatic brain injury and an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's pre-existing condition was aggravated during his period of active duty training (ACDUTRA).