Hearing loss Board decisions

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to an inadequate examination. The Veteran was exposed to noise during service, and a new examination is needed to assess whether his hearing loss and tinnitus are related to this exposure.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate opinions in previous VA examinations and requires a new examination with an appropriate examiner.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection of left ear hearing loss. The issues of service connection for bilateral foot disability and right ear hearing loss are remanded due to new evidence received since the last final rating decision.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability has not improved, and the reduction of his rating from 10 percent to zero percent was improper. The Board restored the 10 percent rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss effective February 1, 2019.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral hearing loss disability has been reopened. Service connection for granulomatous disease is granted under the PACT Act. The claims for service connection for a lung disability are remanded.

The Board has determined that the RO did not obtain all necessary VA treatment records, including a March 2019 audiogram evaluation. The case is being remanded to obtain these records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development and examination to determine the nature and cause of his claimed conditions, including whether they are related to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss as there was no evidence of a current disability meeting VA criteria.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for right knee arthritis is denied.,The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for right knee arthritis (limitation of flexion) prior to June 15, 2018 is denied.,The Veteran's claim for a separate compensable rating for right knee arthritis (limitation of extension) from April 24, 2012 is granted.,The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for status post right total knee replacement is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear hearing loss and bilateral tinnitus, but denied service connection for right ear hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability had its onset during active duty service and grants entitlement to service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and whether his service-connected tinnitus caused or aggravated it.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate VA examination, and a new one must be conducted to determine if the Veteran's hearing loss disability is related to service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus, which are claimed as related to his service. The VA will obtain updated treatment records and personnel records, and provide the Veteran with a new examination by an otolaryngologist.

The reduction of the 90 percent rating for service-connected bilateral hearing loss to 40 percent was proper. The claim for restoration of the 90 percent rating is denied. Entitlement to an increased evaluation in excess of 40 percent prior to December 16, 2021, and in excess of 50 percent thereafter for bilateral hearing loss is denied. Entitlement to a TDIU is also denied.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to the absence of a current disability meeting VA criteria.,The Board has remanded the claims for right hand condition and anal prolapse, as additional development is needed.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to properly assess the Veteran's claims for a compensable initial rating for bilateral hearing loss, service connection for COPD, and service connection for residuals of a right leg injury. The Veteran will need to provide medical records from various providers and VA facilities.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral tinnitus has been denied.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is remanded and requires additional development.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and left knee condition have been reopened. Service connection has been granted for PTSD. The claims for bilateral hearing loss and left knee conditions are remanded due to incomplete records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of bilateral hearing loss, and thus service connection for this condition is denied. The claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD, headaches, and sleep apnea are remanded as further medical examination and opinion are needed.