Hearing loss Board decisions

The Board has dismissed the appeals for headaches and bilateral hearing loss as they have been granted by a separate rating decision.,The Veteran's right knee meniscal tear and osteoarthritis are now service-connected, but the issue of bilateral ear disability (otitis media) is being remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss. The case is being returned for further development and an addendum opinion from a clinician.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate consideration of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities in determining his eligibility for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU). The claim will be referred back for further examination and evaluation.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and denied a compensable rating for hearing loss. The evidence did not support the presence of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, degenerative joint disease of the knees, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, PTSD, and tremors).

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is at least as likely as not related to an explosion during service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted a 40 percent rating for bilateral hearing loss since November 10, 2020. The Veteran's hearing loss is currently rated as the highest possible under the applicable criteria.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection due to in-service noise exposure. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss, COPD, migraine headaches, right and left carpal tunnel syndrome are denied as there is no current disability or evidence of a link to service.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right ear hearing loss disability, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether it is related to his military noise exposure.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's service connection claim for bilateral hearing loss is granted. The issue of a compensable rating for his bilateral spontaneous pneumothorax is remanded due to new evidence suggesting worsening.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is granted as service connected, but his alcohol use disorder remains denied due to remission during the appeal period.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to his in-service noise exposure. The decision resolves doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for thoracic spine, right shoulder, and left shoulder disabilities were denied. His claim for a rating in excess of 10% for hypertension was also denied. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been granted service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is related to in-service noise exposure, and service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss because the Veteran's pre-existing disability did not worsen during his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have resulted in a need for regular aid and attendance of another person, which has been granted. However, as the remaining service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for housebound status, the claim of entitlement to SMC based on housebound status is dismissed.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for cardiac condition and hearing loss were denied as there was no pending claim at the time of his death, and all benefits had been granted at maximum levels.

The Veteran withdrew his claims for an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss, service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome and a right knee disorder during the July 2021 Board hearing.,The remaining issues of service connection for back disorder, left leg disorder, cervical disorder (to include as secondary to a back disorder), acquired psychiatric disorder are being remanded.