Hearing loss Board decisions

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis of bilateral hearing loss did not begin during service or is otherwise related to an in-service injury, event, or disease.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability has been rated at 30 percent since July 22, 2013. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating due to lack of an exceptional pattern of hearing impairment and the current level of hearing acuity does not meet criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's hearing loss. A new VA examination is required to address the relationship between service and the Veteran's right ear hearing loss, as well as whether his pre-existing left ear hearing loss worsened during service.

The Veteran's service connection claim for bilateral hearing loss is granted as his current diagnosis of sensorineural hearing loss, with continuous symptoms since service, meets the criteria for direct service connection.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and heart disability is being remanded due to inconsistencies in the medical opinions provided. The Board requests an addendum opinion from a clinician regarding the etiology of the Veteran's current heart disability.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to determine if the Veteran's hearing loss is related to service, including his tinnitus. The effective date of service connection will also be determined.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to inextricably intertwined issues, including inconsistencies in the onset dates of his tinnitus.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's exposure to asbestos in service.,Service connection for a cardiovascular disorder is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to an inadequate VA examination and a lack of private treatment records. The case is being returned for further development, including obtaining additional medical opinions and records.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to outstanding VA treatment records, unclear evidence from a previous examination, and new pertinent records.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's conditions are at least as likely as not related to in-service noise exposure.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for increases in ratings for bilateral hearing loss and TDIU due to the death of the appellant.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss due to a lack of VA examination records, which are necessary to determine if there is a link between his current conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, MDD, ischemic heart disease, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, recurrent constipation, and recurrent hemorrhoids, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board finds that the criteria for a TDIU have been met.

The Veteran is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) since March 7, 2018. The Board found the evidence at least approximately balanced and thus grants TDIU from that date.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and granted service connection for tinnitus. The claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, to include as secondary to PTSD, is remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's cause of death was not related to his military service or any service-connected conditions. The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not contribute substantially or materially to his death.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional examinations to assess the current severity and etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, acquired psychiatric condition (depression), and migraine headaches. The claims are being returned due to delays in scheduling VA examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss did not begin during active service or is otherwise related to an in-service injury, event, or disease. The claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death. The Board does not have jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of these claims as he died during their pendency.