Hearing loss Board decisions

The Veteran's initial claim for an evaluation of bilateral hearing loss was denied, and the Board found that a noncompensable rating is appropriate. The case regarding service connection for a lumbar spine disability is remanded due to inadequate VA opinions.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate previous opinions and a need for further development of evidence regarding the Veteran's left ear hearing loss.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, but the Board has not yet determined whether they are well-grounded. The claim of type II diabetes mellitus is granted as new and material evidence was received. The claim of bilateral hearing loss is also granted as new and material evidence was received. However, the claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and major depressive disorder), a left ankle disability, and bilateral flat feet are remanded due to insufficient evidence. The claim for residuals of TBI has been reopened and granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including COPD, diabetes, tinnitus, and left ear hearing loss, have precluded him from engaging in gainful employment prior to May 4, 2021.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss has been rated at 40 percent since November 5, 2021.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss can be adjudicated. The decision on these issues is remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and residuals of broken left foot due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran. The claims will be reviewed again without reopening them.

The Board has decided to remand the claims of service connection for left ear hearing loss and a compensable rating for right ear hearing loss due to inadequate medical opinions and the need for additional development, including obtaining authorization for release of non-VA treatment records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in permanent loss of use of one or both hands or feet, nor ankylosis of either knee. Therefore, he does not qualify for financial assistance in the purchase of an automobile or other conveyance with adaptive equipment.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding no current disability in either ear that meets VA compensation criteria. The right shoulder claim was remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding its etiology.,Service connection is not granted for a right shoulder disability as there is insufficient evidence linking any diagnosed condition to military service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently manifested by Level X hearing in the right ear and Level I hearing in the left ear, resulting in a 10 percent rating. The Board has determined that this level of hearing impairment does not warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as the appeal is moot due to his death. The Board lacks jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this appeal.

The Veteran's claims for left ear hearing loss and right sciatic nerve radiculopathy are remanded due to the need for updated examination results. Effective date claims are also remanded as they are inextricably intertwined with the rating claims.

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus Type II, severe sinus problems, bilateral hearing loss, bilateral tinnitus, right foot injury, and right hip injury due to insufficient development and lack of informed decision.

The Board dismissed all claims pending before the Board except for the claim for TDIU from July 30, 2010 to September 22, 2013. The Veteran was found to be unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings of hearing loss and tinnitus have been dismissed. The claim for service connection of upper extremity peripheral neuropathy secondary to diabetes mellitus II has been reopened, and the claim is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU.

The Veteran's hearing loss has not been reassessed in over seven years, and he testified that his tinnitus is also a problem. Therefore, another VA examination is needed to assess the severity of his bilateral hearing loss and whether it causes or aggravates his tinnitus.,The Veteran contends that his GERD warrants a higher rating than 10 percent. The most recent examination was in December 2014, which does not account for his current symptoms such as vomiting and esophageal spasm. Another VA examination is needed to reassess the severity of his GERD.,The Veteran contends that he has esophageal spasm associated with his GERD. The most recent examination noted no esophageal spasm at all, but a private record from 2015 diagnosed him with OSA. An additional VA examination is needed to determine whether the esophageal spasm is related to his GERD or instead attributable to another condition.,The Veteran contends that he has obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) due to loud snoring during service. The most recent STRs do not indicate any symptoms of OSA, and a private record from 2015 diagnosed him with OSA. An additional VA examination is needed to determine whether his OSA started in service or is related to another condition.,The Veteran contends that he has congestion, including asthma, rhinitis, and sinusitis, which began during service. The most recent STRs do not indicate any symptoms of these conditions, but a private record from 2014 diagnosed him with allergic rhinitis. An additional VA examination is needed to determine whether his current condition is related to service or another condition.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for psoriatic arthritis, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection of bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been denied as the earliest possible effective dates have already been assigned.,The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss has been denied as his current disability picture does not warrant a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.