Hearing loss Board decisions

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated at 10 percent, the maximum rating available under VA regulations. The Board found that his hearing acuity did not warrant a higher rating based on the evidence provided.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and earlier effective dates for diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy (PN), left ear hearing loss, right ear hearing loss, and tinnitus have been dismissed.,A 40 percent rating has been granted for PN in the upper and lower extremities.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The claims of entitlement to service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, lumbar spine condition, and bilateral knee condition are remanded due to outstanding VA treatment records.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss is rated as noncompensable, with no worse than level I hearing impairment. The Board found that an increased rating for the condition was not warranted.

The Board has found the VA opinions inadequate and remanded for further examination to address the likely etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to incomplete medical opinions. The Veteran's service records show shifts in hearing that could indicate acoustic trauma, but the current VA opinion is insufficient.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for a TDIU due to the Veteran's service-connected back disorder, as his other disabilities did not contribute to his unemployability prior to September 13, 2018.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability, dyspareunia (painful intercourse) or female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD), a left arm/hand disability (claimed as numbness, and other than the already service-connected shoulder strain), and/or bilateral lower extremity disability (claimed as numbness, and other than the already service-connected left hip strain and feet disabilities).,The Board found that there is no current evidence of hearing loss or dyspareunia/FSAD in either ear. The Veteran's STRs do not show any complaints or diagnoses related to a left arm/hand disability or bilateral lower extremity disability.

The Board has remanded the claims for an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD, service connection for bilateral hearing loss, stomach ulcers, and a skin disorder due to incomplete development. The Veteran's VA treatment records need to be obtained, as well as addendum opinions addressing his lay statements regarding symptom onset.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.

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

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether these conditions were incurred or caused by service.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to inadequate VA medical opinions regarding the relationship between current hearing loss and tinnitus and military service. The case will be returned for further development.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU was denied as his service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation, except for the period prior to September 1, 2015. The Board found that the Veteran had worked in a protected work environment since September 1, 2015.

The Board has dismissed all claims of service connection for various conditions as the appellant died during the appeal process.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his condition.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted as service-connected due to in-service noise exposure. The left shoulder disability is remanded for further examination, the acquired psychiatric disorder is remanded with new stressors considered, and the sinus condition is remanded for clarification of diagnosis.

The Board has remanded the cases of entitlement to TDIU on an extraschedular basis and entitlement to an extraschedular rating for a bilateral hearing loss disability due to inextricably intertwined issues.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, and the Board granted a TDIU on an extraschedular basis.

Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, bilateral hearing loss, diabetes mellitus (type II), and skin condition has been granted.,The claim of service connection for an eating disorder is denied.