Hearing loss decisions — 2024

The Board has decided to remand the case due to lack of substantial compliance with previous directives and insufficient audiometric results. Another remand is required for an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's hearing loss.

The Veteran's right ankle condition is granted as service-connected. The remaining issues of bilateral pes planus, bilateral plantar fasciitis, bilateral knee conditions, obstructive sleep apnea, and bilateral hearing loss are remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was rated as noncompensable, and the Board found that his disability did not meet criteria for a higher rating based on exceptional patterns of hearing impairment or other provisions in the Rating Schedule.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied. The case is remanded to consider the Veteran's claim for TDIU.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss and bilateral shin splints is remanded due to conflicting evidence regarding the presence of a disability.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his disability, as the previous examination did not include a full description of the functional effects caused by his hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the case for further examination and opinion regarding service connection for tic douloureux due to a recent change in law, specifically the PACT Act. The appellant is presumed to have been exposed to toxic substances during his military service.

The Board denied service connection for a cervical spine disability and left ear hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service.,There was no evidence of in-service injury or disease leading to the current conditions.

The Board has remanded the case to refer the issue of TDIU prior to June 22, 2012 for extraschedular consideration. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet schedular requirements for TDIU but may warrant referral for extraschedular review.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, hypertension, heart disorders, erectile dysfunction, headaches, visual disorder, skin disorder, and respiratory disorder are all denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of current disabilities or a causal relationship to service.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss, PTSD, and tinnitus have been granted a compensable rating of 40 percent. The TDIU claim has also been granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities, finding that there is not sufficient evidence to substantiate a reasonable possibility that he is unemployable by reason of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for low back disability, left knee disability, right ankle disability, kidney disease, heart disease, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and acquired psychiatric disorder due to inadequate efforts in scheduling VA examinations.

The Veteran's claims for increased rating of bilateral hearing loss, service connection for multiple joint pain, right leg fungus, and left leg fungus have all been denied. The Board found that the current ratings assigned were appropriate.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for a TDIU due to his service-connected conditions, including lower right limb amputation, shrapnel injuries, left knee disability, and hearing loss. The AOJ is instructed to obtain information regarding whether the Veteran's employment environment is protected.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is denied because he was not rendered unemployable due to only one service-connected disability, but rather multiple disabilities including his neck and back pain.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is related to his military service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. Service connection was granted for both conditions.,For allergic rhinitis, a noncompensable rating was initially assigned in September 2014. The Veteran requested an increased rating, which resulted in a 10 percent rating effective March 31, 2014.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for eczema of the left hand was denied as he failed to attend a necessary VA examination without good cause.,Service connection for right ear hearing loss was granted due to in-service noise exposure, and the Veteran's current diagnosis meets VA criteria for hearing loss.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings, service connection, and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of evidence. The issues include left elbow and wrist disabilities, sleep disorder (OSA), bilateral hearing loss, psychiatric disorders, and hepatitis C.