Hearing loss Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The hearing loss claim was denied as the evidence did not show a compensable rating prior to September 8, 2021 and higher than 10 percent thereafter. The gunshot wound to the left shoulder muscle group IV claim was also denied as there was no evidence of a rating higher than 20 percent prior to August 25, 2021. A separate 20 percent rating for residuals of gunshot wound to the left shoulder muscle group III was granted effective December 6, 2016.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are at least as likely as not related to his in-service noise exposure. The claims were reopened due to new and material evidence received since the last final denial.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional medical records, a VA examination, and information about the Veteran's employment.

The Veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for his right knee disability and service connection for left ear hearing loss were denied. The Board also found that the Veteran's claims for secondary service connection for bilateral ankle, foot, hip, and shoulder disabilities required additional development.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied as his auditory acuity did not meet the criteria for any higher rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus should be remanded due to insufficient examination opinions regarding the relationship between current conditions and in-service noise exposure.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, sleep apnea (secondary to PTSD), and an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected PTSD due to incomplete medical opinions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that there was no evidence of a disease or injury in service and that current bilateral hearing loss is not related to noise exposure during service. The Board also found that the Veteran did not have a significant threshold shift beyond normal measurement variability while in service.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus but has remanded the issue of service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to noise exposure.

The claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied due to lack of current disability. The claim for left lower extremity radiculopathy was denied as part of the January 2003 rating decision, which is final. The claims for vertigo and sunburn scars were addressed in the August 2016 rating decision.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation prior to August 14, 2017.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability. The claims of service connection for hearing loss and skin disability, to include acne, are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected tinnitus and left ear hearing loss are granted. The claim for an increased rating for PTSD is granted, but the appeal is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated at a 10% effective November 25, 2016. The Board found that the evidence did not support an increase in rating beyond this level.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to February 1, 2017.,Since December 1, 2018, the Veteran's service-connected disabilities have also rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's bilateral tinnitus disability is granted as service connected. The issue of his hearing loss disability remains pending and will be remanded for further examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that there was no evidence of in-service noise exposure or a chronic disability during service. The January 2021 VA medical opinion concluded that the current bilateral hearing loss is not related to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss as there is no current diagnosis of a disability for VA purposes.

The Board has remanded the cases of initial compensable rating for headaches and higher than 10 percent rating for bilateral hearing loss disability due to incomplete compliance with previous remand directives.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to the need for an addendum opinion from a VA examiner. The appeal will be granted if new and material evidence is received.