Hearing loss decisions — 2024

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing and following any substantially gainful employment, as he is capable of performing sedentary work.

The Veteran's vertigo is rated at a 30 percent disability rating, the highest possible under DC 6204.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right ear hearing loss and remanded other claims due to new evidence received since previous decisions.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, but denied service connection for hepatitis (including Hepatitis C) and an acquired psychiatric disability (PTSD). The left ankle disability and residuals of STD are remanded for further development.,Service connection is granted for bilateral hearing loss due to noise exposure during service. Service connection is denied for hepatitis (including Hepatitis C) as there is no evidence of current active disease or residual from prior infection. Service connection is also denied for an acquired psychiatric disability (PTSD).

The Veteran's rhinitis has been granted service connection, but a compensable rating is denied.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss and hypertension has been granted. The Veteran's strain of the herpes virus claim remains pending.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and right middle finger disability have not been found to be related to service.,The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is considered secondary to a service-connected lumbar spine disability.,Insomnia, opioid addiction, and headache (migraines) are currently under review for possible service connection.,Further medical opinions are needed to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, PTSD, skin condition, low back disability, and left hip disability due to the Veteran's failure to attend scheduled examinations. The case will be returned for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, thoracolumbar spine disability, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus, have prevented him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation since December 22, 2010.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss likely began during his active duty service and continues to this day, meeting the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was productive of Level I hearing in both ears, warranting a noncompensable disability rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the onset and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability related to military service.

The Veteran's claim for nonservice-connected pension benefits was denied because he did not meet the requirements of being permanently and totally disabled from nonservice-connected disabilities, as his combined disability rating is only 20 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is not related to his active service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for chronic epididymitis, an acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus due to insufficient evidence in the record. The Veteran's service records do not show any diagnosis or treatment for these conditions during his active duty.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to procedural errors in the appeal process.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension, but the other issues related to hearing loss, tinnitus, foot disorder, and pseudofolliculitis barbae are remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for bilateral hearing loss disability, lumbar spine disability, and hypertension. The Board dismissed these appeals as the Veteran requested their withdrawal.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus as they involve issues related to his active duty service, specifically noise exposure. The AOJ is instructed to schedule a new audiological examination and obtain medical opinions addressing the etiology of the disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that new and relevant evidence did not establish a link between his current condition and military service.