Hearing loss Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 20 percent prior to June 15, 2016, and 40 percent thereafter, for left lower extremity radiculopathy is dismissed. The issues of entitlement to a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss disability and total disability rating based on unemployability (TDIU) due to service connected disabilities are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hearing loss and anxiety disorder as they require further development due to outdated medical examinations.

The Veteran's increased rating claim for bilateral hearing loss disability from June 30, 2015, forward was granted. However, the RO failed to obtain audiometric results prior to that date and is now remanded to do so.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss, finding that the evidence is in equipoise regarding whether these conditions are related to service. The Veteran's testimony of noise exposure during service was considered credible.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable. The VA examinations have consistently shown Level I hearing loss in the right ear, warranting a noncompensable disability rating.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for tinnitus has been granted, with a maximum of 10 percent. The claims for increased ratings for right-ear hearing loss and PTSD have not been addressed as they are already at the highest possible rating under VA regulations. The claim for service connection for left-ear hearing loss is reopened due to new evidence received since the last final denial in August 2007, but no specific rating has been assigned yet. The claims for cervical spine disorder and low back disorder have been granted with a maximum of 40 percent under Diagnostic Code 5025. The claim for erectile dysfunction remains pending.

The Board has decided to remand the claims of service connection for hearing loss, hypertension, and PTSD due to outstanding medical records and Social Security Administration (SSA) disability records.

The Veteran's petition to reopen a claim for service connection of right ear hearing loss is granted. The Board finds that the evidence submitted since the last final denial relates to unestablished facts necessary to substantiate the claim and raises a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim.

The Veteran's right hand/wrist disability is granted service connection. His left knee and vision disabilities are denied, as well as his bilateral hearing loss claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities, and therefore grants TDIU.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for heart disability, hypertension, cervical spine/ neck disability, low back disability, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral arms and hands, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral legs, bilateral shoulder disability, bilateral hip disability, bilateral knee disability, bilateral ankle disability, bilateral feet disability, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, sleep apnea, thyroid disability, cerebrovascular accident (CVA), and acquired psychiatric disorder to include posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), nervous disorder, anxiety, and depression.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, breathing problems, obstructive sleep apnea, myocardial infarction, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (depression) due to incomplete VA examinations and lack of Social Security records.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development and examination. The Veteran's claims for service connection are not decided at this time.

The Board has remanded several issues including service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, hypertension, sleep apnea, and PTSD due to the need for further development of evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's in-service noise exposure likely caused his current hearing disability. The claim is reopened due to new evidence submitted since the previous denial.

Service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome and a 50 percent rating for PTSD with alcohol dependence are granted. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied. Initial ratings in excess of 10 percent for right and left shoulder osteoarthritis are denied.

The Board has decided to remand the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to inadequate examination reports. The Veteran's VA treatment records need to be obtained, and a new VA audiological examination is required.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss has been reopened and granted. His tinnitus is already at the maximum schedular evaluation, so he cannot receive a higher rating. The right eye disability claims are remanded.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been granted service connection as they are at least in equipoise with the evidence of record.,A noncompensable rating is assigned for right hand laceration residuals, while a noncompensable rating is also assigned for right hand scar.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and nasal disability, as well as his claim for a TDIU rating due to inextricably intertwined issues. The remand requires additional medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected tinnitus aggravated his bilateral hearing loss and whether any current nasal disorder is related to active service or is caused by his deviated septum.