Hearing loss Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were denied as there was no evidence of an increase in severity beyond the current noncompensable rating, and the maximum schedular evaluation (10%) is already assigned for both conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings for various conditions have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for bilateral hearing loss, and there was no service connection established for most of the claimed conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for a disability rating in excess of 50 percent for service-connected bilateral hearing loss and entitlement to a TDIU due to duty-to-assist errors. The VA examinations obtained prior to the May 2024 rating decision on appeal are inadequate, and new evaluations are needed.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss on a presumptive basis due to continuous symptoms since service separation, as the Veteran reported experiencing hearing loss during and after service.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to a duty to assist error. A new examination is needed to address the nature and etiology of the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus, considering his lay statements about symptoms shortly after service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss, lumbar spine DDD, tinnitus, eczema, and left-hand arthritis, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since June 29, 2021.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hearing loss, headache, and skin disorders due to outstanding treatment records.

Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied due to the absence of audiometric findings meeting VA disability criteria.,The Veteran's right hip syndrome (limitation of extension) and flexion do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating as their respective ranges are within normal limits.,The Veteran's right hip syndrome does not warrant an initial rating in excess of 10 percent due to its current range of motion limitations.,PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available. The Veteran's symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating as defined by VA regulations.,The Veteran's rhinitis is rated at the maximum allowed and no additional manifestations are present, thus no higher rating can be granted.,The Veteran's arthritis of the right fifth digit has no manifestations not contemplated by the rating criteria.,Service connection for erectile dysfunction, residuals of a head injury, GERD, and cervical spine disability is remanded due to insufficient evidence in the record.,No new or material evidence was presented to reopen service connection claims for these conditions.,The Veteran's GERD is not related to his service, including head injuries sustained during service.,Service connection for a cervical spine disability is also remanded as there are no discussions of lifting and injuries related to the Veteran's duties in service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there is no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and active duty service.

The Veteran's claims for a compensable disability rating for left ear hearing loss and a higher rating for tinnitus were denied as there is no legal basis to award such benefits.

The Veteran's claims of increased ratings for his left ear hearing loss, incision scar posterior neck, and cervical spine disability are denied. The claim for service connection for TBI is remanded.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for the issue of entitlement to service connection for right ear hearing loss during a Board hearing.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including back disability, radiculopathy, knee and foot disabilities, and hearing loss/tinnitus, render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment prior to August 29, 2022. The Board has granted a TDIU based on the severity of these conditions.

The Veteran's appeals for compensable ratings for erectile dysfunction, bilateral hearing loss, tinea pedis of the feet, and hypertension have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal.

The Veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection. The Board found the evidence insufficient to establish a link between his bilateral hearing loss and active duty, thus remanding for further examination.

The Board has remanded the claims due to unresolved issues and further review is needed. The Veteran's PTSD, mastoiditis with hearing loss, vertigo, and hypertension are all rated based on their current manifestations.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss and tinnitus are granted as service-connected.,Service connection for left ear hearing loss is remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's conditions are related to his in-service noise exposure.,Both a VA examiner and a private medical provider have provided opinions supporting the Veteran's claims of bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus being related to his military service.

The Veteran's tinnitus had onset in service and continued since service, granted service connection.,Bilateral hearing loss does not meet VA criteria for a disability at any time during the appeal period, denied service connection.,Left leg shin splints were not diagnosed during or close to service, denied service connection.,Right leg shin splints were not diagnosed during or close to service, denied service connection.,Service connection granted for left flatfoot due to pre-existing condition aggravated by service.