Hearing loss Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, and pseudofolliculitis barbae are remanded due to missing VA treatment records and the need for a VA examination. The effective date for the grant of service connection for tinnitus is denied as it was not filed within one year of separation from service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for TDIU and remanded his increased rating claims. The decision found insufficient evidence to show that the Veteran was unemployable due to service-connected disabilities during the appellate period.

The Board has determined that the claim of entitlement to service connection for right ear hearing loss is remanded due to insufficient evidence and need for further development.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss has worsened, and a new VA examination is needed to determine the current severity of his condition.

The Board has decided that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for left ear hearing loss and right ear hearing loss. The Board also finds that there is insufficient evidence to determine if the Veteran's current left knee condition or PTSD are related to his military service, thus remanding these issues.

The Board has remanded the issue of service connection for a back condition due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran's claim for bilateral hearing loss remains denied as no new and material evidence was received.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development, including a VA examination to determine if his current hearing loss is related to service. The dental condition claim was denied as there is no evidence of trauma or disease other than periodontal disease resulting in missing teeth. Service connection for the cyst under testicles and right shoulder disability were not granted due to lack of current diagnoses. Bilateral hearing loss was remanded, with the Veteran's assertion that it is related to noise exposure during service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety; a left wrist condition; tinnitus; and bilateral hearing loss are remanded due to insufficient evidence. The claims will be reviewed again with additional medical examination.

The Veteran's claim for bilateral hearing loss is denied as he does not have a current disability.,The Veteran's claim for emphysema is remanded due to insufficient evidence of service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for liver cancer, as well as claims related to his death and various disabilities, were denied. The rating for diabetes mellitus was granted at a 40 percent level, but higher ratings are not warranted. Ratings for other conditions such as neurological impairments, tinnitus, hypertension, and bilateral hearing loss were also denied.

The Veteran's peripheral vestibular disorder has been granted initial and increased ratings from May 24, 2011, to April 22, 2014, and from April 23, 2014, forward. The remaining issues of hearing loss disability and tinnitus are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU was denied due to the belief that he left his most recent job due to a whistleblower complaint. The Board found no evidence of such a claim being made by the Veteran.,The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable, and a new VA examination is needed to determine its current severity.

The Board has reopened the previously denied claim of service connection for hearing loss due to new and material evidence. The claim is remanded for further adjudication.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are denied as there is no persuasive evidence linking these conditions to service.,The Veteran's gastrointestinal disorder (GERD) is denied due to lack of evidence showing its onset during service or being related to service.,Acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, are not granted as the evidence does not support a link between current symptoms and service.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating for his service-connected loss of teeth due to trauma is denied.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are both granted.,The Board found that the Veteran had an in-service injury related to acoustic noise exposure, which resulted in current diagnoses of bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability, which has been rated at 100 percent since January 3, 2023, is the highest possible rating under VA regulations. The decision grants a 100 percent rating for his disability.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete records and need for additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (unspecified depressive disorder, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, right wrist condition, hearing loss, and tinnitus) rendered him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted. The Board finds that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation, warranting a TDIU award. For his sleep apnea claim, the Board has determined that a remand for further examination and opinion is necessary.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is related to his in-service noise exposure, granting service connection for this condition.