Hearing loss decisions — 2024

The Board has remanded the cases for further examination and opinion regarding service connection for sleep apnea, bilateral leg pain, and hypertension. The Veteran's hearing loss is denied as noncompensable.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for right ear hearing loss, finding that a remand is required due to the failure to provide an adequate statement of reasons and bases addressing evidence and argument submitted by the Veteran regarding delayed-onset noise-induced hearing loss.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable, and the Board has denied a higher rating. The Veteran's impaired anal sphincter control associated with hemorrhoids is also rated as noncompensable.,For OSA and knee disorders, remand is required to obtain addendum opinions addressing whether these conditions are related to service or caused by obesity resulting from service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss, diabetes mellitus type 2, and coronary artery disease have been granted on a presumptive basis due to exposure to herbicide agents during his military service in Guam. The initial compensable rating claim for bilateral hearing loss was denied.

The Veteran's initial rating for bilateral otitis media with bilateral hearing loss has been denied, as the evidence does not support a higher rating. The issue of service connection for a left shoulder disability remains pending and is being remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD warrants a 100 percent disability rating, with total occupational and social impairment.,Bilateral hearing loss is not service connected as there is no current disability for VA compensation purposes.,Service connection for OSA is granted as it is at least as likely as not secondary to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,The Veteran's spinal stenosis is currently rated at 20 percent and the Board has remanded for further development to determine if a higher rating is warranted.,The Veteran's left lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy is rated at 10 percent, but the Board has remanded for further development to determine if a higher rating is warranted.,The Veteran's right lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy is rated at 10 percent, but the Board has remanded for further development to determine if a higher rating is warranted.,The Veteran's left lower extremity femoral nerve radiculopathy is rated at 10 percent, but the Board has remanded for further development to determine if a higher rating is warranted.,The Veteran's right lower extremity femoral nerve radiculopathy is rated at 10 percent, but the Board has remanded for further development to determine if a higher rating is warranted.,The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is not compensable and the Board has remanded for further development to determine if a compensable rating is warranted.,The Veteran does not have current diagnoses of obstructive sleep apnea or a sleep disorder, but the Board has remanded for further development to determine if service connection is warranted.,The Veteran does not have current diagnoses of a neck nerve disorder and the Board has remanded for further development to determine if service connection is warranted.

Service connection is granted for tinnitus and PTSD, MDD, and insomnia disorder.,Service connection is denied for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's appeal of several issues, including service connection for right ear hearing loss and increased ratings for various disabilities, is inextricably intertwined with the need to obtain additional evidence. The appeals are therefore being remanded to ensure compliance with VA's duty to assist.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran was exposed to acoustic trauma during active duty and his symptoms have continued since service. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as there is no current diagnosis of a hearing disability.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and service connection for bilateral ankle disability is being remanded due to inadequate medical opinions in the previous VA examinations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total rating for compensation purposes based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities, finding that his service-connected conditions did not prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied the Appellant's request for an extension of DEA benefits beyond 45 months, finding that he failed to cooperate with VA by not reporting to his scheduled appointment for SRT eligibility determination. The Board concluded there was no legal basis to grant the extension.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been denied as there is no evidence of a current disability meeting the VA definition of hearing loss or tinnitus.,For his left knee, right knee, and bilateral foot disabilities, the Board has found that remand is necessary to obtain additional medical opinions addressing whether these conditions are related to service. The Veteran's claim for obstructive sleep apnea remains pending as it is inextricably intertwined with the issues of service connection for the knees.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear hearing loss based on aggravation, finding that the Veteran's pre-existing hearing loss increased in severity during service due to post-service employment noise exposure.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including wrist carpal tunnel syndrome, shoulder disorder, sleep apnea, bilateral hearing loss, and knee disorders. The decision is based on insufficient evidence and the need for additional development such as obtaining medical opinions and treatment records.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as adjustment disorder, and denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The decision on the PTSD claim is pending due to a pending NOD.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss and PTSD, rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance due to his inability to perform daily activities without assistance.

Service connection for tinnitus is granted. Service connection for right and left elbow disorders, right and left knee disorders, bilateral hearing loss, and plantar fasciitis are remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been dismissed due to the withdrawal of his appeal by his representative in July 2020.