Hearing loss Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's auditory processing disorder and hearing loss. The case will be returned for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claim for a Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and development of records.

The Board has remanded the case due to non-compliance with previous remand directives regarding an addendum opinion for service connection of bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, right knee disability, left knee disability, and low back disability are remanded due to insufficient medical opinions regarding service connection. The VA is instructed to obtain authorization and request relevant private treatment records from the Veteran's former employment with the Bureau of Prisons and his current primary physician. Additionally, the Veteran should be scheduled for a VA examination to identify any current disabilities and determine if they are related to his military service or his service-connected left hip tendonitis and left thigh limitations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (vertigo) was denied as it is not due to or aggravated by the service-connected bilateral hearing loss and/or tinnitus.,The Veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating prior to February 6, 2019 and in excess of 20 percent thereafter for bilateral hearing loss on an extraschedular basis was also denied.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a low spine disability. The evidence supports the conclusion that these conditions are related to noise exposure during active service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has been rated as noncompensable (zero percent) since the onset of his service-connected left ear hearing loss. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for his bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current disability is due to in-service loud noise exposure and chronic symptoms during service. The need for additional medical opinions was not necessary as the claim was decided on the basis of direct service connection.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and remanded the issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The case is now pending with a request for further examination.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current condition began during his active military service and resolving doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss disability was denied as there is no current diagnosis of a right ear hearing loss disability.,The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea was granted as it began during active duty for training (ACDUTRA).

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's hearing loss is related to his service. The claim will be returned for further development and an addendum opinion.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to inadequate medical opinions and the need for additional examinations. The issues include bilateral hearing loss, left foot disability (other than hallux valgus), right foot disability (other than hallux valgus), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), bladder or urinary disability, thyroid disability, right breast lump, breast reduction surgery residuals, and C-section residuals.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, back disability, lower extremity disabilities, upper extremity disabilities, stroke, and alopecia. The claims were not supported by evidence showing the conditions occurred during active duty or ACDUTRA.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is being remanded for further evaluation due to conflicting opinions regarding its onset and causation.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development regarding his claims of service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, right knee disability, left hand disability, insomnia, and GERD. The issues include determining whether these conditions are related to military service.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for essential tremors and TDIU prior to April 17, 2019. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are found to be sufficient to meet the criteria for a TDIU from April 17, 2019.

The Veteran's service-connected foot and knee disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, leading to the grant of TDIU effective May 11, 2016.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for a left ear condition and left ear hearing loss due to insufficient information in previous opinions. The Veteran's symptoms, including chronic otitis media during service, are considered.