Hearing loss Board decisions

The appeal for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied, while the appeals for diabetes mellitus, type II, and peripheral neuropathy of both upper and lower extremities were remanded.

The Board remands the issues of service connection for bilateral knee, elbow, and ankle disabilities, as well as a bilateral hearing loss disability, due to inadequate medical evidence.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for sleep apnea and bilateral hearing loss due to outstanding VA treatment records and a need to address certain medical opinions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have not prevented him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation throughout the appeal period.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU based on a single service-connected disability was denied as there is insufficient evidence to substantiate that he is unemployable due solely to his GAD with cognitive disorder and TBI.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for earlier effective dates, increased ratings, and service connection for various conditions, except for sleep apnea which was granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, acquired psychiatric disorder (major depressive disorder), right hip disorder, right knee disorder, and right ankle disorder due to insufficient evidence.,Service connection will be granted if there is a current disability, an in-service injury or disease, and a nexus between the two.

The Veteran's unauthorized non-VA medical expenses incurred on July 21, 2022 for COVID pneumonia treatment were reimbursed as the care was emergent and a prudent layperson would have reasonably expected delay in seeking immediate medical attention to be hazardous. The service-connected disabilities aggravated by this care are also considered.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is attributable to his hazardous noise exposure in service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal for a TDIU on an extraschedular basis prior to April 27, 2014 is being remanded. Additionally, the earlier effective date for DEA benefits is also being remanded due to its inextricability with the TDIU issue.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left ear hearing loss, right ear hearing loss, and a separate psychiatric disability (presumed to be an eating disorder) have all been denied. The Veteran's PTSD has also not met the criteria for an increased rating.,Specifically, the Board found that there is no current evidence of hearing loss in either ear meeting VA criteria, and thus service connection cannot be granted. For her right ear hearing loss, while a current disability was established, it was determined to be less likely than not related to service. The Veteran's eating disorder was also deemed unrelated to service.

The Board has denied a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and remanded the claims of service connection for Hashimoto thyroiditis, asthma, and acute bronchitis due to procedural errors and the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between his disabilities and active service. The Veteran is required to undergo VA examinations to determine if any of his claimed conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied as he does not have a currently diagnosed disability that meets the VA definition of impaired hearing.

The Board has denied service connection for left and right knee disorders, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, left hip disorder, and right hip disorder due to lack of current disability. The claims are REMANDED for additional development.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for right and left ear hearing loss due to incomplete service personnel records and STRs. The Veteran's complete service personnel records, including his entrance and separation reports from active duty and Army Reserve service, need to be obtained.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection and increased ratings related to alcohol use disorder, chronic fatigue syndrome, right knee pain, right shoulder pain, irritable bowel syndrome, hearing loss, and eczema.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current hearing loss is related to his military noise exposure. The decision resolves all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has denied service connection for left ear hearing loss due to the Veteran not meeting the criteria for a disability. The right ear hearing loss claim is remanded as there was an inadequate opinion in the original decision.

The Board has remanded the claims for hearing loss and tinnitus due to an inadequate VA examination, requiring a new examination to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.