Hearing loss decisions — 2024

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and bilateral tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's symptoms began during active service and have continued since.,Service connection is established for both conditions based on direct evidence of a link between in-service noise exposure and current disability.

The Board has denied service connection for hypertension, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's claims were not supported by current medical evidence of a diagnosis.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating for prostatitis, service connection for bone spurs in both feet, and bilateral hearing loss. The claims for diabetic neuropathy of the right and left foot were remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left lower lung nodule and bilateral sensorineural hearing loss are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence, including STRs and a clarification of in-service exposure.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of high cholesterol and a compensable rating for left ear hearing loss due to lack of new and relevant evidence, and the current evidence does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating for left ear hearing loss.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is not related to his active duty service.,The Veteran's tinnitus did not have its onset during service.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and remanded the issues of service connection for right carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), left carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), right knee pain, and left knee pain. The Veteran is required to undergo VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's tinnitus and right ear hearing loss are granted as service-connected.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss is rated as noncompensable, and his right calf condition does not meet the criteria for service connection.,VA has determined that the Veteran's current right calf muscle spasm with sciatica and herniated nucleus pulposus at L5-S1 is not related to his in-service injury.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were previously decided in a September 2021 rating decision, appealed to the Board in November 2021, and adjudicated by the Board in an October 29, 2024, decision. The appeal of these issues is dismissed.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for neck disability (degenerative arthritis of the spine), right knee condition, right foot plantar fasciitis, left foot plantar fasciitis, and left shoulder disability are denied.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is being remanded for a new VA examination to determine if it is related to service or herbicide agent exposure. The current medical opinion is inadequate and the Board finds that a new opinion is necessary.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including right ear hearing loss, bilateral elbow, hand, knee, and shoulder disabilities, hemorrhoids, neuropathy of upper and lower extremities, and thoracic aortic aneurysm. The appeals are being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal regarding an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been dismissed because the Veteran withdrew his appeal.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for sleep disturbance is dismissed as moot.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied due to lack of evidence showing the condition first manifested in service or within one year of separation, and there being no current diagnosis.,Service connection for fibromyalgia (claimed as joint pains) and neurological symptoms is remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to a duty to assist error. The Veteran is incarcerated, and the AOJ must make an additional attempt to provide him with an examination by either a VA contract provider, a VA medical provider, or prison medical providers (at VA expense).

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings of his service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been dismissed as he has withdrawn the appeal.

The April 16, 2019 rating decision was found to be erroneous and the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is now rated at 10% effective January 3, 2014.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current disabilities are related to his in-service noise exposure. The claim for a back disability is remanded as VA examination is needed.

The Board has determined that the VA etiology opinions are inadequate and remands the case for further development, including obtaining an addendum opinion from an audiologist regarding the etiology of the hearing loss.

The Veteran's claim for bilateral hearing loss is denied, and his claim for an initial rating of 50 percent for migraines is granted.