Hearing loss decisions — 2024

The rating reduction from 90 percent to 70 percent for bilateral hearing loss was proper as the evidence showed an actual improvement in the disability level and ability to function under ordinary conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for CFS, a compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss disability, and an evaluation in excess of 70 percent for PTSD have all been denied. The Board found no evidence of a current diagnosis of CFS or any other qualifying chronic disability under the VA regulations. For the bilateral hearing loss disability, the Veteran's hearing acuity did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating. Regarding PTSD, the Board determined that the Veteran's symptoms do not warrant an evaluation in excess of 70 percent.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to a duty-to-assist error. The Veteran needs to provide or authorize VA to obtain relevant private treatment records from Dr. P.B. and/or the Family ENT & Sinus Center of Harrison, including an August 2021 hearing test.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left ear hearing loss and a compensable disability rating for right ear hearing loss, finding that his hearing acuity did not meet the criteria for VA compensation purposes.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to in-service noise exposure.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, back disability, and neck disability. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred in or caused by service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for right ear hearing loss, finding that his current condition began during his active service and resolving all reasonable doubt in his favor.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus but remanded the issue of service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to determine the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss, including symptoms of vertigo and unsteady gait. The AOJ should also consider whether another Diagnostic Code would better reflect the disability and if there are any separately ratable disabilities associated with it.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating, as his hearing acuity was not at the level required for such a rating. The Board found that the evidence did not support an increased rating.

The Board has waived the untimeliness of the March 2020 substantive appeal and granted service connection for frostbite of the bilateral hands, feet, and hearing loss. The right foot disability claim is pending.

The Veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection, but his left and right ear hearing loss were denied. The Board remanded the right ear hearing loss claim for further examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for various musculoskeletal conditions, tinnitus, and hearing loss due to potential errors in the previous VA examinations. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim of service connection for left ear hearing loss due to a lack of an adequate medical opinion. The case will be returned to the AOJ with instructions to obtain a new examination and provide a rationale for the determination.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection, but his bilateral hearing loss and cold injury residuals, bilateral feet are denied.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus but remanded the issue of right ear hearing loss due to a lack of adequate rationale in the VA medical opinion.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and an acquired psychiatric condition due to military sexual trauma (MST). The Veteran's current hearing loss is considered to be related to her in-service noise exposure, while the other specified stressor or trauma related disorder is found to have been caused by a sexual assault during service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been denied as there is no evidence of a current disability, and the Board found that the conditions are not related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as there is no current diagnosis of hearing loss for VA purposes.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment during the period on appeal before March 29, 2011. From March 29, 2011 to October 13, 2016, his disabilities were considered in determining entitlement to a TDIU.