Hearing loss Board decisions

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, heart disability, kidney disability, peripheral neuropathy, hypertension, hyperlipoproteinemia, prostate disability, sinus disability, scotoma, and respiratory disorder are all remanded for further development.,Service connection is being remanded for the Veteran's heart disability, kidney disability, peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, hypertension, hyperlipoproteinemia, prostate disability (benign prostatic hypertrophy), sinus disability (allergic rhinitis), scotoma, and respiratory disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, but the case is remanded for a new examination to determine if the Veteran has a current hearing loss disability for VA purposes.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has been evaluated as 10 percent disabling, based on the results of his most recent VA examination. The Board found that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 10% rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for TDIU is denied.,The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for bilateral hearing loss prior to June 14, 2019, and higher than 20% thereafter is denied.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated at 40 percent, and the Board has determined that it does not warrant a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, coronary artery disease with graft bypass, squamous cell carcinoma, and prostate cancer due to incomplete records and potential exposure to herbicide agents.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for increased disability ratings for right knee strain, hypertension prior to January 7, 2020, hypertension from January 7, 2020, allergic rhinitis, and bilateral hearing loss.,The Veteran also withdrew his appeals for the same issues.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for allergic rhinitis is granted due to exposure in Southwest Asia. Service connection for left ear hearing loss, hypertension, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are denied as there is no evidence of a current disability or relationship to service. The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee disability is remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance was denied. The claim of entitlement to a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied, as his hearing acuity did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under VA regulations. For the lumbar spine disability prior to September 6, 2019, the Veteran's disability has been rated at 10 percent and no higher due to lack of evidence showing limitation in range of motion or functional loss equivalent to ankylosis.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection on multiple conditions has been dismissed. A 100% disability rating for PTSD is granted effective February 1, 2022.

The Board has remanded the case due to new medical studies referenced in the Appellate Brief. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss claim will be reviewed again with consideration of these studies.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and cervical spine disorder have been denied as there is no evidence of a current disability during the appeal period.,There is insufficient evidence to establish service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not warrant a rating in excess of 30 percent for the entire period on appeal.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, erectile dysfunction, bilateral hip disability, lumbar spine disability, and lower extremity neurological disability due to potential service connection issues. The Veteran's in-service noise exposure and underwater diving experience are being considered.

The Board has decided that the Veteran does not have a current disability of hearing loss in her right ear, and therefore, service connection for right ear hearing loss is denied. The left ear hearing loss claim is remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding its etiology.

The Board has remanded several claims for additional development, including for addendum opinions and VA examinations to address the Veteran's service connection claims.

The Veteran's prostate cancer, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus have been granted service connection. The rating for prostate cancer has been increased to 40 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss is at least as likely as not related to his military service, including a reported incident where he was shot over five times with a shotgun near his face. As such, service connection for right ear hearing loss is granted.

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

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and left arm numbness. The evidence does not show a current disability that meets VA compensation criteria for hearing loss, and there is no persuasive medical opinion linking the Veteran's symptoms to his in-service noise exposure or diabetes.,For the left arm numbness claim, the Board found insufficient evidence to support a finding of service connection due to diabetes mellitus. The VA examiners concluded that the Veteran's carpal tunnel syndrome was not aggravated by his diabetes and provided clear explanations for their opinions.