Hearing loss decisions — 2024

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for sleep apnea and hearing loss due to a lack of a VA examination, which is considered a pre-decisional duty to assist error.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and service connection was denied. The initial rating for bilateral tinnitus remains at 10 percent, with no extraschedular consideration granted. A 20 percent rating is granted for right gamekeeper's thumb with residual extensor tendonitis. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that his current disabilities are more likely than not related to his military noise exposure.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss, effective from February 14, 2019. The decision is based on new evidence submitted in February 2020 that provided a positive nexus opinion for both conditions.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied as there is no evidence indicating intent to file a claim prior to August 23, 2022.,The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied because his hearing loss did not meet the criteria for any higher rating under VA regulations.,The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for a left eye disability (MALT lymphoma left eye with cataracts) was denied as there were no incapacitating episodes due to this condition during the appeal period.

The Board has granted service connection for a bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus, finding that the evidence is in relative equipoise as to whether these conditions are related to the Veteran's active service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has been rated as noncompensable (0%) throughout the appeal period, with Level II hearing impairment in the right ear and Level I hearing impairment in the left ear.

The Veteran's hypertension is denied as not meeting the criteria for a compensable rating.,Service connection for sarcoidosis is granted based on presumed exposure to burn pits and other toxins during service.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain an adequate VA examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, as the previous examination was inadequate.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for posttraumatic stress disorder is dismissed. The claims for ratings in excess of 40 percent for bilateral hearing loss and 10 percent for tinnitus are denied. The Veteran's claim for TDIU is granted.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's right ear hearing loss. The claim will be reconsidered with a new examination.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss as the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of hearing loss that meets VA's definition.

The Board has determined that the VA hearing loss examination provided in October 2018 was inadequate, as it did not consider the Veteran's lay statements regarding his symptoms beginning during active duty and persisting since then. The Board is therefore remanding the case to obtain an addendum from the examiner.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and lumbar spine disability are granted as service-connected.,The Veteran's right shoulder disability is granted as service-connected, while his left shoulder disability is denied.

The Veteran's tinnitus claim is granted as new and relevant evidence has been received.,The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and chronic bilateral ear condition with pain, ruptured eardrum claims are remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is related to his exposure to noise during active service and grants the claim for service connection.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that there is no evidence of a current disability during or within one year after service and concluding that the Veteran's hearing loss is not related to military noise exposure.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) based on the Veteran's credible statements of in-service symptoms and their continuity since discharge.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is related to service, resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.