Hearing loss Board decisions

The Veteran's SMC claim for aid and attendance is granted. The diabetes rating appeal is remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board denied a compensable rating for the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, finding that the evidence did not warrant an increased rating based on either examination and that the functional effects of the Veteran's hearing loss were consistent with the symptoms covered by the applicable Diagnostic Code.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and degenerative arthritis of the spine) have prevented him from obtaining and maintaining substantial employment consistent with his educational background and work history. Therefore, a Total Disability Rating based on Individual Unemployability for the period beginning August 22, 2008 is granted.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus claims, specifically addressing delayed onset hearing loss.

The Veteran's hearing loss prior to September 8, 2020 was rated as noncompensable (0%) due to the average pure tone threshold being no worse than Level II in the right ear and Level I in the left ear. The Board found that this did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient development and referral for extra-schedular TDIU consideration prior to April 14, 2021. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are expected to impact his ability to work.

The Veteran is granted an evaluation of total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities from August 29, 2012, but no earlier. The Board found that the Veteran was unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected ear-disease disabilities.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection and rating determinations due to a withdrawal request by the appellant.

The Veteran's claim for bilateral hearing loss is denied as there is no evidence of current disability.,The Veteran's claim for left knee disability to include as secondary to service-connected back disability is denied due to lack of a nexus between the knee condition and service.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to a pre-decisional error in fulfilling the duty to assist. Specifically, a medical opinion is needed regarding whether the Appellant was insane at the time of his discharge.

The Veteran's service-connected type II diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 40 percent, but the evidence does not support a higher rating due to lack of episodes of ketoacidosis or hypoglycemic reactions requiring hospitalizations.,Both lower extremity neuropathies are currently rated at 10 percent each. The Veteran's right and left femoral nerves have mild incomplete paralysis.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for hemorrhoids and granted a 10 percent disability rating for bilateral hearing loss. The criteria for a higher rating were not met in either case.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA medical examination to determine if any of the Veteran's current right ear hearing loss disability is due to his service, including in light of his provided information about service symptoms and noise exposure.

A 30 percent rating for GERD is granted. The claim for a higher rating for rhinitis prior to January 8, 2020 and until May 3, 2023 is dismissed. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied. Higher ratings are granted for right knee meniscal tear/patellar chondromalacia, right thigh strain (limitation of extension), and right thigh strain (limitation of flexion). The claims for service connection regarding left ankle condition, right ankle condition, and left thigh strain are remanded.

The Board has dismissed the appeals of the Veteran's claims for service connection due to his death.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to her exposure to hazardous noise during active service.,Both tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss were found to be directly related to acoustic trauma experienced while on active duty.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied, and the claim for an initial rating of 10 percent for hypertension is granted.

The Board has dismissed all claims of service connection due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected.,Issues regarding the left hip, right knee, and left knee disorders are remanded for further examination and opinion.,Bilateral hearing loss claim is also remanded for an addendum opinion.

The Veteran's claim for service connection and increased ratings were granted. Service connection was established for right lower sciatic radiculopathy, but not for other conditions due to lack of evidence supporting exposure to toxic substances. Increased ratings were denied for right ear hearing loss, left knee anterior cruciate ligament partial tear, left knee instability, right fibula fracture (claimed as right ankle condition), and degenerative arthritis of the spine.