Hearing loss Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for VA examinations and rescheduling of his Board hearing.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and an inadequate examination. The Veteran's hearing loss disability needs to be evaluated again with all relevant medical records considered.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's initial claim for a compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss prior to November 17, 2016 was denied. An initial evaluation of 10 percent, but no higher, for bilateral hearing loss effective from November 17, 2016, is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss. The examiner must provide a new opinion on whether the current disability is at least as likely as not related to his military service, including conceded in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's appeals for higher evaluations of bilateral hearing loss, allergic rhinitis, and scar from right inguinal herniorrhaphy have been dismissed. Additionally, the appeal to reopen a previously denied claim for numbness on the right side of the body has also been dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied in an October 2018 rating decision. The appeal is dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his bilateral hearing loss is dismissed as he withdrew the issue in December 2021.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is related to his military service, granting service connection based on continuity of symptoms since service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have bilateral hearing loss for VA compensation purposes at any point during the current appeal period, and therefore service connection cannot be granted.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to non-compliance with previous remand directives and for consideration of a new VA medical opinion regarding the likelihood that the Veteran's hearing loss may be linked to his established in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and entitlement to total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) have both been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show an exceptional pattern of hearing impairment or that the Veteran was unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's initial noncompensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied as his hearing acuity does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus. The claims for bilateral hearing loss, non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), diabetes, and both upper and lower extremity neuropathy are remanded due to the need for further development regarding exposure to herbicide agents and other chemicals.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination, including obtaining SSA records and VA audiometric test results. The lung disorder case is also being examined to determine its relationship to service.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss. Service connection is remanded for cardiac disability, hypertension, and residuals of typhoid fever.

The Veteran's left ear problems, including status post mastoidectomy left ear and associated hearing loss are granted. The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is remanded for further examination and opinion. The Veteran's right knee problem and left knee problem are also remanded for further examination and opinion. The Veteran's sinus problems, to include chronic ethmoidal sinusitis, are remanded for an examination considering herbicide exposure.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and its relation to his active-duty service, including in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for right ear hearing loss has been reopened, and the Board finds that new and material evidence has been received. The Veteran's tinnitus is rated at 10% under Diagnostic Code 6260, which only allows a single evaluation for recurrent tinnitus. The Veteran's left ankle disability is remanded for further examination to determine its current severity.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is rated at 50 percent disabling from August 10, 2016 to December 15, 2021 and at 60 percent thereafter. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating during this period.