Hearing loss decisions — 2024

The Board found that the reduction of the disability rating for bilateral hearing loss from 20 percent to a noncompensable rating was proper, effective September 1, 2021.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss and a rating in excess of 0 percent for left ear hearing loss, finding that there is no current disability for VA purposes and that the evidence does not support entitlement to these benefits.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for GERD, sinusitis, hernia with residuals, hemorrhoids, gastritis, bilateral hearing loss, erectile dysfunction, and hypertension. The evidence did not support a finding of in-service onset or current disability for any of these conditions.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently manifested by hearing acuity of no worse than Level I in both ears, resulting in a zero percent disability rating. The Board has determined that an initial compensable rating for the condition is not warranted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is attributable to military service, granting his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded due to the need for further consideration, including a potential extraschedular evaluation.

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

The Veteran's migraine headaches are currently rated at 30 percent, but the Board finds no evidence of very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is not shown as chronic in service or within a presumptive period, did not manifest to a compensable degree within a presumptive period, and were not noted in service with attributable continuity of symptomatology.,The Veteran has been denied service connection for fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), right shoulder disability, left shoulder disability, sleep apnea, and TDIU prior to March 16, 2021.

The Board has granted earlier effective dates of May 23, 2022, for service connection for fibromyalgia and bilateral hearing loss. Service connection for a vocal cord nodules disability is denied.

The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for spinal stenosis of the lumbar spine was denied, and his claims for service connection for cervical spine degenerative joint disease (neck disability), left elbow laceration, and bilateral hearing loss were remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus has been dismissed due to the Veteran requesting withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board has granted service connection for a neck disability and bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current disabilities are related to his military service. The decision also remanded several other issues.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, GERD, IBS, right and left knee disabilities, sleep apnea, and an acquired psychiatric disorder have been remanded due to insufficient evidence or further clarification needed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hearing loss disability began during active service and is related to his in-service noise exposure, granting his claim for service connection.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right ear sensorineural hearing loss, as well as his request for an initial compensable rating for hypertension. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to military service.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have most nearly approximated occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, warranting a 70% rating for the entire period on appeal. The Veteran is also granted TDIU prior to June 6, 2022.

The Veteran is granted service connection for tinnitus, as the evidence supports a finding that his tinnitus had its onset during service and persists. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied due to lack of current disability.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal prior to the hearing, leaving no issues for appellate consideration.

The Board denied service connection for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss, finding no current disability of these conditions within the scope of the appeal.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee disability is denied as there is no evidence of current disability or in-service event.,The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for left knee and bilateral hearing loss are denied as the earliest date of claim is June 21, 2018.,The Veteran's initial rating for painful motion of the left knee is denied. A separate 10 percent rating for instability of the left knee is granted.,The Veteran's initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied.