Hearing loss decisions — 2024

The Board denied a compensable rating for the Veteran's right ear hearing loss, finding that his impairment did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating based on objective audiometric testing results.

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for bilateral hearing loss has been denied as his disability did not meet the criteria for increased evaluations during the appeal period.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss, which preexisted service, was aggravated by his military service. Therefore, the claim for service connection based on aggravation is granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hearing loss of both ears due to inconsistencies in audiometric findings and need for further clarification on the nature and etiology of his hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and compliance with prior directives due to incomplete consideration of specific entries in the claims file.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, lower back condition with left leg condition, and respiratory condition (including obstructive sleep apnea and allergic rhinitis) due to a lack of adequate medical examination or opinion. The AOJ is instructed to obtain any outstanding VA treatment records, schedule the Veteran for an appropriate VA examination, and adjudicate her claim for allergic rhinitis on a direct basis and under the PACT Act.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment as of September 11, 2018. Prior to this date, the evidence did not meet the criteria for a total disability rating due to individual unemployability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment, thus denying his claim for TDIU.

The Veteran's appeals for various conditions and disabilities have been dismissed due to their death.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 20 percent for bilateral hearing loss from August 2, 2022. The claim for an initial rating prior to that date remains on appeal.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected, and the claims for right ear hearing loss and left ear hearing loss are reopened. The remaining issues related to bilateral hearing loss, psychiatric disability, bilateral eye disability, and foot disabilities are remanded for further development.,Additional medical records should be obtained in order to fully assess the Veteran's current conditions and provide a comprehensive evaluation of his claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's August 2019 VA Form 10182 may be considered a valid and timely Notice of Disagreement for service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The appeal is being remanded to issue a Statement of the Case addressing these issues.

Service connection for tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss disability, and migraine headaches prior to February 14, 2019 is denied.,The Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches are currently rated as 30 percent disabling prior to February 14, 2019.

The Board has remanded the case for a retrospective opinion regarding the severity of the Veteran's lumbosacral strain as documented at the December 2017 VA examination. The Veteran is seeking an increased rating for his lumbosacral strain prior to July 10, 2020.

The Veteran's appeal includes requests for increased ratings for various knee disabilities and service connection for bilateral hearing loss, sleep apnea, and tinnitus. Additional evidence has been received since the April 2020 statement of the case. The Board is remanding these matters to issue a supplemental statement of the case (SSOC).

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA medical opinion regarding the etiology of the left ear hearing loss and whether the diagnosed acoustic neuroma is causally related to service, including toxic exposures in Southwest Asia. The Veteran's contentions about the onset of his symptoms are considered.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and to obtain an etiology opinion regarding a right ear hearing loss disability. The issue of entitlement to TDIU prior to October 4, 2012 is also being remanded as it is intertwined with the service connection claim.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence in the previous decision regarding the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss. The case will be returned for further development and an addendum opinion.

The Board has decided to remand the cases of bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and right ankle disability for further examination and opinion.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and inadequate examination. The presumption of soundness applies, and further development is needed to determine if any current disabilities are related to active duty service.