Hearing loss Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA audiological examination and a need for an addendum opinion addressing the Veteran's lay statements regarding his hearing problems.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss was incurred during active service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss has rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and his TDIU claim is granted.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss and left ear hearing loss are not service-connected, but his tinnitus is service-connected.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for Hepatitis C, a seizure disorder, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD), and right ear hearing loss. However, the evidence does not establish that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability and the VA examiner found it less likely than not related to service.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied because he does not meet the schedular requirements for a current disability, and the VA examiner found it less likely than not related to service.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) is granted as there is credible supporting evidence of in-service stressors and a link between symptoms and service.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for right shoulder injury with rotator cuff surgery, right knee condition, bilateral hearing loss, and scar, right shoulder status post-surgical procedure due to missing service treatment records. The Veteran's initial enlistment records are lost, and there is no medical record prior to October 1984.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability, but remanded it due to insufficient evidence. The claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are also remanded.

The Board found that tinnitus is related to service, including the Veteran's exposure to loud jet engine noise during his military service. As a result, service connection for tinnitus was granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are at least as likely as not related to his military service, including noise exposure during his time in Vietnam. As such, the claims for service connection have been granted.

The Veteran's fracture with deformity, 4th digit, left hand is currently rated as noncompensable. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's former position as a computer programmer with an Associate degree education level is no longer suitable due to excessive absences from work and school caused by service-connected migraine headaches. The decision grants reentrance into the VR&E program.

An initial rating of 30 percent, but no higher, for status post cholecystectomy with GERD is granted beginning on September 4, 2018.,Prior to September 4, 2018, an initial rating of 10 percent, but no higher, for status post cholecystectomy with GERD is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss has worsened, and the VA needs to schedule him for an examination to determine its current severity.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss as there was no evidence of a nexus between the Veteran's current hearing loss disability and his active service, including noise exposure.

Service connection is granted for bilateral hearing loss.,Service connection is granted for a lower back condition and associated neurological abnormalities.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum rating available under VA regulations. The Board found that his exceptional pattern of hearing impairment does not warrant a higher rating.

The Board has decided to remand the cases of bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus for further development as there is insufficient evidence regarding their etiology.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, but remands it due to need for a new VA examination.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for cervical spine disability, thoracolumbar spine disability, and sleep apnea due to insufficient evidence. The hearing loss and coronary artery disease cases are denied as they do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.