Hearing loss Board decisions

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current condition is etiologically related to acoustic trauma sustained in active service. The appeal was based on a presumption of service connection due to continuous symptoms since service.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher initial rating for his bilateral hearing loss disability is being remanded due to duty-to-assist errors in the VA records. The case will be returned for obtaining missing audiogram results and scheduling a new VA examination.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability has not been rated higher than noncompensable.,The Veteran's right knee joint osteoarthritis with limited flexion does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected.,Bilateral hearing loss and IBS are denied as not related to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there was no evidence of in-service noise exposure or chronic symptoms within one year post-service discharge. The Board concluded that any current hearing loss and tinnitus were less likely due to military service.,The decision also noted that the Veteran did not report experiencing hearing issues during service and had normal audiograms at separation, with only mild hearing loss reported after service.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence has been received for the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, which were previously denied in July 2018. The claims are being remanded to allow for a new examination and evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, a chronic disease, had its onset during service and continues to this day. As such, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was received on August 22, 2019. The Board has granted an earlier effective date of August 22, 2019, but no earlier, for the award of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and remanded for a determination of an appropriate initial rating.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss was denied as the evidence did not show that his hearing acuity warranted a compensable rating.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is granted as service connected based on continuity of symptoms since service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine, cervical spine, and bilateral knee disabilities are not attributable to active military service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated at 20% and tinnitus at 10%, both of which are the maximum schedular ratings. The Board denied increased ratings for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is granted. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is dismissed as moot due to the grant of service connection in a previous decision. The claims for service connection for vision disorder (cataracts) and bilateral hearing loss are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is currently rated at 0 percent, as the audiometric test results do not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to his use of hearing aids and no worsening in hearing acuity.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, LUE and RUE cervical radiculopathy were granted service connection as they are considered to be directly related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to a duty-to-assist error in the original decision, specifically regarding service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's claims of exposure to noise and in-service ear problems are considered, but further medical examination is needed.

The Veteran's claims for sleep apnea, PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus have been granted. The claim for sleep apnea is remanded due to a change in the character of service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty to assist error, requiring an additional VA examination and medical opinion regarding the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there is no persuasive evidence to support a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty to assist error and will consider new evidence submitted by the Veteran or representative.