Hearing loss Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for an initial compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss and service connection for melanoma are remanded due to the need for new VA examinations.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional audiometric testing results, which could support a higher rating for bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to a duty-to-assist error in the initial opinion regarding his employability.

The Veteran's right ankle disability is being remanded for a new examination to assess the current nature and etiology of his service-connected condition, including instability issues.,Bilateral knee conditions are also being remanded for a new VA examination to determine if they are related to the service-connected right ankle disability or if they were incurred in service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss, have rendered him unable to secure or follow any form of substantially gainful employment. As a result, the Board has granted TDIU effective September 30, 2021.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted as service connected. The Board found that the Veteran had noise exposure during service, which likely caused his current conditions.

The Veteran's application for S-DVI was denied because he had a history of stroke, which is not considered 'good health' under VA standards. The Board has ordered remand to comply with the requirements set forth in the Veterans Benefits Manual (M29-1) and ensure proper notification.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person or housebound status.

The Board denied the Veteran's appeal because a timely Notice of Disagreement (NOD) was not received within one year from the date of issuance of the August 2018 rating decision, which continued a noncompensable rating for right ear hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the cases for a new VA examination to determine if the Veteran's tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss are related to service. The current evidence does not establish that these conditions are related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is related to service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeals for effective dates and ratings related to PTSD, prostate cancer residuals, and bilateral hearing loss have been dismissed. The appeal for a TDIU has been granted, as well as basic eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant due to his inability to use assistive devices and maintain independent mobility.

The Veteran's appeals for increased evaluations and service connection have been withdrawn. The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's back, psychiatric disabilities, hip, shoulder, knee, and other conditions.

The Board has remanded several claims for further development, including those related to hearing loss, tinnitus, skin conditions, diabetes mellitus type 2, right eye blindness, hypertension, cancer of the jaw, and an acquired psychiatric disability. The issues are being remanded due to duty-to-assist errors.

The Board has denied service connection for various conditions including bilateral hearing loss, hypertension, coronary artery disease (claimed as a heart condition), diabetes mellitus, type II, kidney disability, cervical spine disability, back disability, right hip disability, left hip disability, right shoulder disability, left shoulder disability, right elbow disability, left elbow disability, right ankle disability, left ankle disability, right foot disability, left foot disability, and right knee disability. The Board found no evidence of in-service onset or relationship to service for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for right hand arthritis but has remanded the issue of service connection for right ear hearing loss due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and lower back condition are both granted service connection. The Board found the evidence at least in equipoise for both conditions, with the Veteran's credible statements and medical opinions supporting his claims.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus but has remanded the issue of service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to a lack of adequate VA examination and consideration of relevant evidence.