Hearing loss decisions — 2024

An earlier effective date for service connection of tinnitus is denied.,The claim of reopening the bilateral hearing loss was granted, but a new VA examination is needed to determine if left ear hearing loss is related to service.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is remanded due to incomplete employment and income information. The RO must verify the Veteran's work history, obtain completed VA Forms 21-4192 from his employers, and determine if he qualifies for TDIU on a schedular or extraschedular basis.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with psychotic features was granted service connection.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus is denied.

The Board denied service connection for sinusitis and bilateral hearing loss (BHL) due to a lack of current disability evidence.,Service connection was not granted as the Veteran's medical records did not show any current diagnosis of sinusitis or BHL.

The Veteran's tinnitus, type II diabetes mellitus secondary to his right knee disability, sleep apnea, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, diabetic retinopathy, and erectile dysfunction are all granted. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Board has denied service connection for a right ankle condition, left ankle condition, low back or lumbar spine condition, and residuals of an upper left facial fracture with headaches and vertigo. Service connection was granted for bilateral ear condition (to include hearing loss).,Service connection was not established for any of the conditions listed due to lack of evidence linking them to service.

The Board has remanded the claims for entitlement to service connection for SOB, headaches disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and left ankle and left knee disorders due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Veteran's claims for tinnitus, bronchitis residuals, hearing loss, low back disability, and right ankle disability have been granted. The VA has ordered additional development for the hearing loss claim due to potential burn pit exposure, and the low back and right ankle disabilities require further examination.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, left shoulder disability, right shoulder disability, left knee disability, and right knee disability due to inadequate examination opinions. Additional evidence is needed, including VA Employee Health records and private treatment records from Arkansas Pain Center.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD, pneumonia, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus due to his withdrawal of these claims during a Board hearing. The claim for TDIU is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's appeals regarding service connection for bilateral hearing loss, right knee disability, and thoracic outlet syndrome should be remanded due to an error in the review system.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for tinnitus and an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for updated VA records, a nexus opinion regarding the etiology of his tinnitus, and further development related to SSA disability benefits.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA audiological examination to determine if any current bilateral hearing loss is related to service, including noise exposure.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus has been reopened, but the claims are still pending as new evidence did not establish a nexus to service. The Veteran was granted service connection for tinnitus.,The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to insufficient information provided on her VA Form 21-8940.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to incomplete records and need for updated VA examinations.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back DDD and granted it. The claims for bilateral hearing loss disability, tinnitus, and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy are remanded.

The Board has decided that the Veteran does not have a current disability for service connection of bilateral hearing loss. The remaining issues on appeal are remanded due to insufficient evidence and need further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral sensorineural hearing loss is service-connected as it originated during active service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for service-connected left ear mastoidectomy residuals with hearing loss is remanded due to the need for updated medical records and examinations. The Veteran also has issues regarding secondary service connection for sleep and/or psychiatric disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, PTSD, right knee disability, and left knee disability due to lack of in-service stressors for PTSD and insufficient evidence linking current disabilities to service.