Hearing loss Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss has been denied. The Board finds the evidence does not support a higher rating based on current audiometric test results.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of consideration of the Veteran's STRs and current hearing loss reports. The claim will be reconsidered with an addendum opinion from a VA examiner.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus but denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The decision is based on the Veteran's credible assertions of in-service noise exposure and his current symptoms, with no contemporaneous medical records showing in-service complaints or treatment.

New and relevant evidence has been received for several previously denied service connection claims, including cervical spine condition, ED, left lower extremity tingling and numbness, left upper extremity tingling and numbness, right lower extremity tingling and numbness, right upper extremity tingling and numbness, lumbar spine condition, tension headaches, diabetes mellitus type II, hearing loss, tinnitus, and hypertension. These claims are being remanded for further review.

The Veteran withdrew their appeal of the service connection claim for right ear hearing loss.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on multiple issues are being remanded due to the need for further development and consideration.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for status post bilateral inguinal repair is dismissed, and the issue of service connection for right ear hearing loss is remanded.

The Veteran's service connection claim for bilateral hearing loss is granted as his current condition is related to in-service acoustic trauma.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is being remanded for a new examination to assess its current severity, and the issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is also being remanded due to potential impact on the TDIU claim.

The Board has remanded the case for further examination and opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's left ear hearing loss due to service-connected acoustic trauma.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is at least as likely as not incurred in service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his exposure to acoustic trauma during active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is related to his active service, specifically noise exposure associated with being a weapons mechanic. However, due to a lack of an addendum medical opinion addressing this issue, the case is remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, traumatic brain injury, cervical spine disorder, headaches, and multiple musculoskeletal disorders have been denied. The Board found no evidence of current disabilities or a nexus to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him in need of regular aid and attendance due to his PTSD, migraine headaches, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss.

The Board denied the Veteran's requests for an effective date prior to February 12, 2021, for TDIU and DEA benefits. The effective date of TDIU was set at February 12, 2021, due to the receipt of a PTSD claim within one year of the initial grant of TDIU. For DEA eligibility, as there was no 'total' rating prior to February 12, 2021, the appeal for earlier effective dates is denied.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that these conditions are related to his active duty service.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his in-service exposure to acoustic trauma.

The Board has remanded the case due to a procedural error in not considering the Veteran's claim for TDIU prior to August 10, 2022 on an extraschedular basis. The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are found to render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation as of August 10, 2022.

The Board denied service connection for left ear hearing loss and right ear hearing loss as the evidence did not establish a nexus to service.