Hearing loss decisions — 2024

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated as noncompensable.,Initial compensable ratings are granted for left and right ankle disabilities, effective prior to January 9, 2023.,A 10 percent evaluation is granted for metatarsalgia and status-post right foot navicular fracture.,Initial 30 percent evaluations are granted for left and right knee disabilities (limitation of flexion).,GERD with hiatal hernia and chronic diarrhea warrant a 30 percent evaluation.,Service connection for TBI is denied.

The Board denied service connection for right ear hearing loss as there is no valid diagnosis of a disability in the Veteran's medical records, and his audiometric testing did not meet VA's definition of a hearing loss disability.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus as there was no persuasive evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's active duty.

The Board has remanded the case to clarify whether the Veteran's symptoms of loss of balance, dizziness, falling, and vertigo are indicative of a vestibular disorder related to his service-connected bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran should be scheduled for an examination to determine if these symptoms represent a vestibular disorder.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient consideration of the Veteran's lay statements regarding his hearing loss symptoms.

The Veteran's migraines are rated at 50% effective October 18, 2021. Bilateral hearing loss and TBI have been granted service connection with an effective date of October 19, 2017.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss as there is no current diagnosis of this condition.

The Board has remanded the cases of left hand carpal tunnel syndrome and right shoulder disability for further examination and opinion to determine if these conditions are related to service, specifically whether they are secondary to a service-connected condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities, finding that his combined rating of 40% did not meet the schedular criteria for TDIU. The evidence showed he was unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.

Service connection is granted for bilateral hearing loss, diabetes mellitus type II, and a stomach condition to include ulcers. Service connection is remanded for an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD, left shoulder condition, and right shoulder condition.,The Veteran's service records show he was exposed to gunfire and artillery rounds during his active-duty service, which supports the grant of service connection for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral mixed hearing loss as secondary to service-connected chronic allergic rhinitis. The issue of service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II is remanded due to inadequate medical opinions and the need for a VA examination. The TDIU claim remains inextricably intertwined with the diabetes mellitus, type II issue.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for right ear hearing loss, finding that his condition is related to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current disability is related to his in-service exposure to loud noises while working on an aircraft carrier.

The Board has determined that additional evidentiary development is necessary prior to the adjudication of the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. Specifically, upon remand, VA must obtain an adequate medical opinion regarding his claim of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Veteran's hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable, and the Board finds that a compensable rating is not warranted.,The Veteran's lumbar spine disorder is currently rated at 20 percent. The Board has remanded for further examination to determine if a higher rating is warranted.,The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy is currently rated as 20 percent, and the Board has remanded for further examination to determine if a higher rating is warranted.,The Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy is currently rated as 20 percent, and the Board has remanded for further examination to determine if a higher rating is warranted.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates are denied as the evidence does not show that he continuously prosecuted his claims within one year of the February 2010 rating decision.,New and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims for service connection for a respiratory disorder, back disorder, right knee disorder, and left knee disorder.

The Board has dismissed the claims for service connection for right and left foot neuromas, and remanded the claims for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss (BHL), service connection for bilateral foot disabilities, and service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus has been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and returned the claims of bilateral hearing loss and right foot condition to the RO for further development. The decision on the right foot condition is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, specifically addressing his delayed-onset condition.