Hearing loss Board decisions

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not shown as chronic in service or within a presumptive period, did not manifest to a compensable degree within a presumptive period, and were not noted in service with attributable continuity of symptomatology. The Board finds that the evidence persuasively weighs against finding that hearing loss and tinnitus are related to service.,The Veteran's asthma was not shown as chronic in service or within a presumptive period, did not manifest to a compensable degree within a presumptive period, and was not noted in service with attributable continuity of symptomatology. The Board finds that the evidence persuasively weighs against finding that asthma is related to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to insufficient evidence in the record regarding their onset during service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss, duodenal ulcer, lumbar spondylosis, and tinnitus, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since November 16, 2010. The Board has granted TDIU from that date and also found eligibility for DEA benefits effective as of the same date.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for vertigo is granted. The right ear hearing loss claim is remanded for further development.

The Board has decided to remand the cases of entitlement to a compensable evaluation for service-connected bilateral hearing loss and entitlement to total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU). The Veteran needs to be scheduled for a new VA examination, and his TDIU claim should also be reviewed.

The Veteran's left ankle injury, including Achilles tendonitis and osteoarthritis, is granted service connection. The Veteran's bilateral foot conditions are remanded for further examination and opinion. His hearing loss is remanded for a new VA examination to determine the current degree of impairment. Service connection for bronchitis is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for tinnitus and an initial rating higher than 0 percent for bilateral hearing loss due to inextricably intertwined issues. A new VA examination is required to address these claims.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a TDIU rating as they do not preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has denied the appellant's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and a right hand fifth metacarpal fracture. The appeal regarding OSA and TDIU is remanded.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the nature and etiology of his condition, as the previous examinations are inadequate.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to inadequate compliance with prior remand directives.

The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy is granted a rating of 20 percent, effective from February 26, 2021. The Board also found her left lower extremity radiculopathy to approximate moderate incomplete paralysis and granted it a 20 percent rating as well.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss has been denied. The Board has remanded the service connection claim for lung disorder, to include emphysema with pneumothorax, due to insufficient opinions addressing inservice complaints and prior conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is at least as likely as not incurred during his service in Desert Storm, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's application to reopen the claim of service connection for a right shoulder disability was denied. The claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss, left knee, and right knee disabilities were also denied. The issues regarding effective dates for left ankle sprains and tympanic membrane tympanosclerosis (right and left) were dismissed.

The Veteran's claim for increased rating of bilateral hearing loss was denied, and his service connection claim for low back disability was also denied. The decision does not specify an effective date.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for sleep apnea and bilateral sensorineural hearing loss due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and right ankle sprain as they were already denied in a previous May 2023 decision.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss, depression, and headaches, render him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment. His TDIU claim is granted.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the evidence did not support a link between these conditions and in-service noise exposure.