Hearing loss Board decisions

The Veteran's claims of service connection for gastrointestinal disability, right ear hearing loss, and foot disabilities have been remanded due to the need for additional development. The gastrointestinal claim has reopened based on new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, residuals of benign tongue growth removal, elevated creatinine kinase, bilateral hearing loss, umbilical hernia, and erectile dysfunction are all granted service connection. The rating for the bilateral hearing loss is increased to 10 percent.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, chronic fatigue syndrome, and obstructive sleep apnea due to conflicting evidence and lack of a clear determination on these issues.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for psoriasis, finding that there is no evidence linking his current condition to his military service. The issue of service connection for bilateral hearing loss was also remanded by the Board.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss is granted as service connected. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is denied an increased rating.

The Veteran's service connection claims for tinea pedis, hypertension, bilateral hearing loss, costochondritis, and vasomotor rhinitis were denied. The Board found insufficient evidence to support the Veteran's claims for these conditions. Service connection was not granted for tinea pedis due to lack of in-service manifestation or relationship to service. A 10 percent rating for hypertension was granted based on diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more requiring continuous medication. Bilateral hearing loss and costochondritis were denied as there was no evidence of the required manifestations. Vasomotor rhinitis was denied due to lack of nasal polyps, obstruction, or other specified conditions.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus was rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum rating available under VA regulations.,Before January 29, 2016, the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities did not meet the criteria for a higher than 10 percent rating. After this date, it did not meet the criteria for a higher than 20 percent rating.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating prior to March 19, 2019 for bilateral hearing loss is denied.,The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating in excess of 20 percent beginning March 19, 2019 for bilateral hearing loss is denied.,The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD is denied.,The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for residuals, shrapnel wound, left shoulder region and upper arm area, right hip/thigh area, and right leg/ankle area are remanded.,The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating in excess of 10 percent for right ulnar nerve peripheral neuropathy is remanded.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there is no evidence of in-service injury or disease related to these conditions. The Veteran reported noise exposure during service but his STRs did not show any hearing issues at discharge. Post-service medical opinions concluded that the current hearing loss and tinnitus are less likely due to service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and remanded the claim for a skin disability due to herbicide exposure. The case is being returned for further development.

The Board has added new evidence to the claims file and finds that it is relevant to the Veteran's service connection claims. The case is being remanded for readjudication based on this additional evidence.

The Veteran's bladder cancer is granted service connection as it was presumed to have been caused by his exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam. His tinnitus is also granted service connection, with the presumption that it began during his active duty service. However, his bilateral hearing loss remains pending due to incomplete verification of his Reserve service periods.

The claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to an apparent error in the previous denial.,Service connection has been denied for peripheral neuropathy of both upper extremities.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service, as evidenced by exposure to constant, excessive noise during his MOS as a chaparral crewman. Service connection is granted for these conditions.,The Veteran's major depressive disorder is related to his military service, with the same in-service stressors cited for PTSD. Service connection is granted for this condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss and for a compensable rating for left ear hearing loss prior to November 7, 2018, as well as for a rating in excess of 10 percent for left ear hearing loss from that date onwards. The most probative evidence did not support the Veteran's claims.

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

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is remanded for a new VA examination to assess its current severity. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the increased rating claim.

The Veteran's initial 10 percent rating for bilateral hearing loss is granted effective April 4, 2017. A 30 percent rating is also granted effective August 14, 2018. The claim for a higher rating prior to April 4, 2017 and thereafter remains denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection and initial compensable disability rating for various conditions are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and the retrieval of private treatment records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, a bilateral eye disability including vision loss, and a left foot disability due to potential issues with the medical opinions provided. The AOJ is instructed to obtain updated treatment records, arrange for VA examinations, and consider special procedures under 38 C.F.R. § 3.311 if applicable.