Hearing loss decisions — 2024

The Veteran's appeal for TDIU and special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance is being remanded due to the need for additional VA records, specifically from his non-VA primary care physician and mental health providers. The VA also needs to obtain records reviewed by previous examiners for PTSD, hearing loss, and diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's hearing loss rating was reduced from 80 percent to 40 percent, but the Board found this reduction improper and restored the original 80 percent rating.

The Veteran's PTSD is not currently rated at a higher level due to its current severity.,Hypertension has been granted based on the PACT Act, and service connection for a back disability and left foot drop have also been established.

The Veteran's attorney is not eligible for fees based on past-due benefits awarded from an April 2022 dependency decision that added his spouse to the award, as both the underlying service connection and dependency benefits were outside the scope of representation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error. The AOJ will consider any additional evidence when readjudicating the claim.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and readjudication, including consideration of new evidence submitted by the Veteran. The claim for service connection for a ruptured ear drum is denied as there is no current diagnosis of this condition. The claim for hearing loss is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to an error in providing notice of the right to a hearing before issuing the decision. The Veteran was not notified of his right to a hearing until after the initial decision.

The Board has granted the Veteran's request to readjudicate his claims for service connection for various conditions, including an acquired psychiatric disability and bilateral hearing loss. The remaining issues are remanded.

The Board denied service connection for eye condition (vision), hearing loss, heart disease, arthritis, and diabetes. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were related to the Veteran's active service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to duty-to-assist errors and additional development is required. The Veteran's mental health, bilateral knee and hand disabilities, and headaches are being reviewed.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for tinnitus is denied as the current rating of 10% already reflects the maximum schedular rating available.,The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied as her hearing acuity does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under the applicable rating schedule.,The claims for service connection for right knee, left knee, low back, neck, right-hand, and left-hand disabilities are remanded due to new relevant evidence having been received since their last adjudication.,The claim for service connection for stress incontinence is remanded as new relevant evidence has been received since its last adjudication.,The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability is remanded as new relevant evidence has been received since its last adjudication.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty-to-assist error and requires an additional VA examination to determine if the Veteran's hearing loss is related to his service.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of July 10, 1982 for service connection of bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss as there is no evidence of a current diagnosis of hearing loss in the left ear for VA compensation purposes.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied as his hearing impairment did not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating.

The Board has remanded the claim of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) on an extraschedular basis prior to August 1, 2023 due to failure to substantially comply with the Board's October 2023 remand directive.

The Board has determined that the VA examination and medical opinion provided are inadequate to adjudicate the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The case is being remanded to provide an adequate medical opinion addressing the etiology of the Veteran's hearing loss.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus but has remanded the issue of service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to a lack of adequate medical opinion.

The Veteran's initial compensable evaluation for left ear hearing loss is denied.,Service connection for allergic rhinitis and sinusitis is granted.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for hearing loss and tinnitus as they were not adequately addressed in the previous decision. The Veteran will need to undergo a VA examination to provide medical opinions regarding his conditions.