Hearing loss decisions — 2024

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and PTSD, as well as his request for an earlier effective date for a hyperthyroidism rating. The appeal was dismissed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for right ear hearing loss was denied because she does not have a disability. The Board also remanded the issue of service connection for her left shoulder disability, requesting clarification on whether it is for the right or left shoulder.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has been manifested by no worse than a Level II hearing impairment in the right ear, and a Level IV hearing impairment in the left ear, each of which corresponds to a noncompensable rating. As such, the claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Board has determined that the reduction in the evaluation of bilateral hearing loss from 10 percent to noncompensable effective May 1, 2019, was proper and denied the Veteran's request to restore the rating.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for mesothelioma/respiratory condition, myopia (claimed as visual disorder), hearing loss, and an acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD. The claims were previously denied in February 2013 and March 2016 due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The low back disability claim is remanded due to new evidence being submitted after the February 2020 Statement of the Case.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, right wrist carpal tunnel syndrome, and left wrist carpal tunnel syndrome, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his active service.

The Board has dismissed all issues on appeal due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's hearing loss and back disability claims are remanded for additional development. The shoulder condition claims are also remanded, but the nature of the left shoulder condition is unclear.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to insufficient evidence in the record, particularly regarding the Veteran's lay testimony of symptoms occurring since service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to issues with verifying an in-service stressor and obtaining VA treatment records. A new PTSD examination is needed, as well as a new opinion on bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) due to insufficient evidence. The claim for PTSD remains pending.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted as service connection due to in-service noise exposure.,Presumptive service connection for hypertension is granted based on the PACT Act and presumed exposure to herbicide agents during Vietnam service.,Service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities is granted based on presumptive exposure to herbicide agents.

The Veteran's migraines and tinnitus are granted service connection, with the right knee and left knee disabilities being remanded for further review. The hypertension claim is also remanded due to conflicting opinions on its cause. The hearing loss claim is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for degenerative joint disease of the knees and a rating greater than 30 percent for frostbite residuals affecting the right foot.,The Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus have not been established as related to his active service.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for additional development due to missing service treatment records and new VA examinations considering the new evidence. The appellant's hearing loss and left ankle condition are being reviewed.

The claim for bilateral hearing loss has been withdrawn and dismissed. The Board has also remanded the issues of service connection for neurobehavioral effects due to exposure at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

The Veteran's hypertension is not rated higher than 0 percent as there is no history of diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more, and the use of medication alone does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.,Prior to April 27, 2022, the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss did not warrant a compensable rating. From April 27, 2022, his disability is rated as noncompensable.

The Veteran's back disorder and right lower extremity radiculopathy were granted increased ratings, while left lower extremity radiculopathy had its rating restored. The dental disorder case remains in appellate status.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to incomplete records and inadequate VA medical opinions. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is found to be etiologically related to in-service acoustic trauma.