Hearing loss decisions — 2023

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is granted as service-connected, with the Board finding that there is at least a 50% likelihood it was caused by in-service noise exposure.,Service connection for tinnitus is also granted as secondary to his now service-connected bilateral hearing loss. The VA examiner opined that tinnitus is a known symptom of hearing loss.,The Veteran's initial rating for CAD remains at 10 percent, with the Board noting that there is no evidence of left ventricular dysfunction or cardiac hypertrophy/dilatation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as there was no new and material evidence to reopen the cases, and his conditions were not found to be related to military service.

The Board denied a disability rating in excess of 20 percent for the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, finding that he did not cooperate with VA examinations and there was no evidence of language or cognitive difficulties.

The Board has granted reopening of the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and obstructive sleep apnea, but denied both claims on their merits.

The Board has granted service connection for sinusitis. The Veteran's appeal regarding the other issues is remanded due to additional evidentiary development being required.

The Veteran's service-connected left ear hearing loss was evaluated as noncompensable, and the claim for an initial compensable rating is denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea and bilateral hearing loss, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete service records and the need for a new VA examination.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran did not have a current disability and there was no evidence of in-service noise exposure or continuity of symptoms.,The Board also denied service connection for residuals of a cervical injury, concluding that while the Veteran has a current neck disability, it is not related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss are granted. The claims for low white blood count, left leg disorder, right leg disorder, residuals of ear surgery, and seizure disorder are withdrawn.

The Board has found that service connection for diabetes mellitus cannot be established due to lack of exposure to Agent Orange. The case is remanded for further development regarding the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss claim.

The Board has dismissed the appeal of the denial of service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to the death of the appellant.

The appeal for service connection claims related to a respiratory disorder, chronic right knee disability, and bilateral shin splints are dismissed. The Veteran's heart disorder and acquired psychiatric disorder claims are remanded. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss claim is also remanded.

The Board has ordered a new VA audiology examination to assess the Veteran's hearing loss for the entire period on appeal, including since September 23, 2014. The examiner will provide a retrospective opinion based on all audiograms performed during this time.

The Board denied service connection for a bilateral hearing loss disability, finding that the Veteran's current hearing loss did not manifest in service or within one year of separation from active duty and was not otherwise related to service.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and no rating decision was made.

The Board has denied service connection for a visual disability, right knee disability, left knee disability (secondary to the right knee), and bilateral hearing loss. The claims are being remanded due to insufficient evidence in some cases.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated at 60 percent for the entire appeal period, from June 26, 2018 to May 4, 2021.

The appeal for service connection of bilateral hearing loss is dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for right ear hearing loss and left ear hearing loss as the appellant died during the appeal process.