Hearing loss Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for TBI and service connection for BHL are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for right ear hearing loss, higher initial ratings for cervical osteoarthritis (neck disability) and left ear hearing loss, tuberculosis, and a 70 percent rating for PTSD have been withdrawn. A 100 percent rating has been granted for PTSD from January 24, 2017, and TDIU prior to that date has also been granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities in accordance with VA standards, and the conditions are not linked to military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bladder cancer and kidney removal, have rendered him unemployable since May 1, 2010. The Board has granted a TDIU effective from that date.

The Veteran's posttraumatic stress disorder, tinnitus, and hearing loss have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, meeting the criteria for a total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The appeals for service connection and rating of the Veteran's conditions have been dismissed. A 70 percent rating is granted for PTSD from May 23, 2012, and a TDIU rating is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate reasoning and reliance on an opinion that did not address potential contradictions in a study. The Veteran must be provided with another VA examination to consider delayed-onset hearing loss.

The Board has decided to remand the case for a VA examination to assess the severity of the Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss and to consider an extraschedular argument for an increased rating. The claim will be readjudicated after these actions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and a need to seek out his private treatment records and VA Medical Center records.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD was granted, and he is now receiving a 70% disability rating for unspecified anxiety disorder. The effective date for the grant of service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been denied, but the issue remains pending. The Veteran's TDIU claim is also pending.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to in-service noise exposure.,Service connection is granted for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are due to in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, an acquired psychiatric disorder, and a low back disability have been granted. Service connection is established for these conditions based on direct evidence of their onset during or related to his military service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there is no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and lumbar spine disabilities have been reopened, and both conditions are now granted as related to active service.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for chronic kidney disease due to potential exposure at Camp Lejeune. The Veteran's service in Vietnam is presumed, but not all diseases are listed as presumptively related to herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied due to lack of new and material evidence.,The Veteran's right ankle disability claim is remanded as the RO failed to consider his request for rescheduling due to homelessness, resulting in a denial without proper consideration of this issue.,The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (polysubstance abuse disorder and depression) claim is remanded as new and material evidence was not considered, and an additional VA examination is needed.,The Veteran's lumbar spine disability claim is remanded for a contemporaneous VA examination to determine the current severity of his condition.,The Veteran's left knee limitation of flexion claim is remanded for a contemporaneous VA examination and determination of whether the effective date should be earlier than April 14, 2015.,The Veteran's left knee osteoarthritis claim is remanded to determine if the severance of the separate rating was proper.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is now rated at 30 percent since January 17, 2022. His right TMJ derangement continues to be rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is being remanded for an updated VA examination to assess the current severity of his condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, pes planus with plantar fasciitis, tinnitus, and erectile dysfunction, rendered him incapable of obtaining and maintaining gainful employment from April 23, 2020.