Hearing loss decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction was granted, but his claims for initial compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss and service connection for scars, GERD with ulcers, and vertigo/syncope were remanded due to insufficient evidence.,The Board acknowledged the Veteran's assertions of secondary service connection for these conditions but found that additional medical opinions were needed.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence has not been submitted to warrant readjudication of the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, right knee disability, left knee disability, cervical spine disability, and lumbar spine disability. The claims are being remanded due to a duty to assist error in the October 2018 rating decision.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for an ear condition, claimed as cauliflower ear, is dismissed.,The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a sleep condition, claimed as insomnia, is dismissed.,Service connection for adjustment disorder with depressed mood is granted.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied.,Service connection for a left rib condition is denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral hearing loss disability as there is no competent medical evidence establishing that he currently has a ratable hearing loss disability for VA compensation purposes.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and lumbar strain have been denied as there is no evidence of an earlier claim or entitlement prior to the effective date assigned.,The Veteran's claim for PTSD has also been denied as there is no evidence of an earlier claim or entitlement prior to the effective date assigned.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination as they are not fully developed.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that there is no persuasive evidence linking his current diagnosis to military service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability was evaluated as level I in each ear, resulting in a non-compensable rating. The Board found that the evidence did not support an increased rating during the appeal period.

The Board has granted service connection for essential thrombocythemia due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents and for bilateral hearing loss, finding the evidence approximately in equipoise.

The Veteran's hearing loss disability rating is remanded for further review, and the TDIU claim remains pending.

The Veteran's requests to reopen claims for tinnitus and hearing loss were denied. Service connection for PTSD was granted at a rating of 70 percent, effective from the date of the decision.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and initial rating for various disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding his exposure to toxic substances (TERA) and delayed onset hearing loss.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions and evidence. The Board will not make a determination on the merits of these claims until further review.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and remanded the issues of hearing loss and lower extremity radiculopathy as secondary to a back disability.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims of service connection for muscle and joint pain, including back pain; a left wrist disorder; bilateral hearing loss; and tinnitus. The decision is based on the Veteran's incarcerated status and the need to schedule examinations while he remains in prison.

The Veteran's tinnitus, hearing loss, OSA, and PTSD were all denied as they are not related to his military service.,VA examinations found no evidence linking the Veteran's current conditions to his time in active duty.

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

The Board has determined that the AOJ did not properly address the issues of increased disability ratings for bilateral hearing loss and coronary artery disease after March 4, 2014. The AOJ also failed to obtain all relevant VA treatment records and conduct necessary examinations. These errors require remand.

The Board has denied service connection for a bilateral hearing loss disability and remanded the claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including major depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, impulse control disorder, substance abuse) and gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD).

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss as there is no current disability meeting VA criteria.