Hearing loss decisions — 2023

The Veteran's service connection claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder and right ear hearing loss have been reopened. Service connection for right ear hearing loss has been granted with a 20% rating. The lumbar spine disability is rated at 20%, while the left ankle disability is rated at 10%. Other issues are remanded.

The Board dismissed all claims due to the Veteran's death, as they do not survive his death.

The Board has found the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss to be related to his military service, specifically his role as an aircraft mechanic. However, due to the Veteran's incarceration and inability to attend a medical examination, the case is being remanded for further evaluation.

The Board denied service connection for left ear hearing loss and back disability, finding that the evidence did not support a causal relationship to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development of records and the need for additional information from the Veteran regarding his employment, education, and specialized training history. The TDIU claim will be reconsidered based on the updated evidence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and low back disability due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions and VA treatment records.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has been rated as noncompensable throughout the appeal period, and the Board finds that his condition does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under VA's Rating Schedule.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to procedural errors in the reduction of his disability rating.,Service connection is still pending for digestive problems, headaches, and blurred vision.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for right ear hearing loss prior to June 23, 2022 as there was no evidence of a hearing loss disability for VA purposes.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus have been dismissed due to his death prior to a final decision.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, diabetes mellitus, type II, erectile dysfunction, and neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities have all been denied.,There is no evidence of a current disability in any of these conditions. The Board finds that the Veteran does not meet the threshold element required to establish service connection.

Service connection for a heart disorder, including hypertension, is granted.,The Veteran's claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and a heart disorder other than hypertension remains denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions regarding his migraine headaches, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and facial numbness.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as new and material evidence was not submitted.,The claim for service connection for headaches, right knee disability, and tinnitus has been reopened and granted to the extent of these issues.,The claim for service connection for a respiratory disability (lung damage) is denied due to lack of current diagnosis or functional impairment.,A rating higher than 20 percent for degenerative arthritis of the spine is remanded as no VA examination was conducted in conjunction with this claim.,Service connection for PTSD is remanded as the incident basis for the claim has not been corroborated.,The claims for service connection for a right hand disability and right wrist disability are remanded due to lack of evidence linking these disabilities to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for right ear hearing loss, finding that his pre-existing hearing loss did not worsen during service and was not caused by or aggravated by his service-connected tinnitus.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and lower extremity condition are not service-connected.,The Veteran's brain tumor, macroadenoma (benign) is remanded for further review.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been denied as there is no evidence of a current disability. The Board finds the Veteran does not have bilateral hearing loss for VA purposes.,Service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis and right foot bone spur is remanded due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear hearing loss but remanded the right ear hearing loss issue due to missing audiogram records and a need for further examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current diagnoses of bilateral hearing loss, obstructive sleep apnea, or diabetes mellitus Type II for VA purposes. The Veteran's service treatment records and VA treatment records do not document any complaints, treatment, or diagnoses of these conditions.,VA medical opinions provided in October 2021 did not address whether the Veteran's claimed diabetes mellitus was aggravated by his service-connected PTSD.