Hearing loss decisions — 2024

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to inadequate VA audiological opinions, which are required to determine if there is a nexus between his current disabilities and service.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, OSA, and right shoulder disorder due to issues with notification of VA examinations and lack of current diagnoses or etiology.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's claimed disabilities, particularly in relation to service connection.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that her current diagnosis of bilateral sensorineural hearing loss is etiologically related to in-service noise exposure and a continuity of symptoms since service.

The Veteran's initial rating for scar, residual TMJ scope was granted at 10 percent. Service connection for a back disability and bilateral hearing loss disability were denied, while service connection for a skin disability and a rating in excess of 20 percent for TMJ syndrome are remanded.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated at 50 percent, which is the maximum rating under VA regulations. The Veteran's tinnitus is currently rated at 10 percent. The Veteran's insomnia disorder is currently rated at 30 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to obtain or maintain gainful employment, and the Board granted a TDIU from May 6, 2021.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as he does not have a disability level of hearing loss that qualifies for VA compensation purposes.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for upper back problem and right knee pains are remanded due to inadequate examination findings. The claims for left knee pain are also remanded.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for left knee pain is remanded as well.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete VA treatment records and outstanding SSA records. The Veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss prior to December 12, 2023 is pending.

The Veteran's hypertension is not shown to meet the criteria for a compensable rating.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are denied as there is no evidence of current disability or in-service incurrence.,Service connection for right ankle and left ankle disabilities is denied due to lack of continuity of symptomatology since service.,The Veteran's right and left ankles were not shown to have been injured during service, nor did they develop to a compensable degree within one year post-discharge.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied, and his claims for service connection for high blood pressure and heart murmur are both denied. The issue of service connection for vertigo was dismissed due to withdrawal.

The Veteran's tinnitus has been granted service connection, as it is related to his in-service noise exposure.,His left ear hearing loss remains denied, with the Board finding that there is no evidence of a current disability or causal relationship.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating and earlier effective date for bilateral hearing loss is denied. The VA audiology evaluation in February 2020 showed Level I hearing acuity in the right ear and Level II in the left ear, resulting in no compensable rating.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were denied as not related to service.,The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, was remanded for further examination.

The Board has denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and asthma but granted service connection for right ear hearing loss. The issue of pseudofolliculitis barbae is remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD with sleep impairment is rated at 30 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available under Diagnostic Code 9411.,The Veteran's back disability is currently rated at 10 percent and does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has granted effective dates of February 18, 2020 for the grants of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and a psychiatric disability. These awards are based on an intent to file received on February 18, 2020.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for right ear hearing loss is denied, while her claim for tinnitus is granted.