Hearing loss Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for an increased compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied as the audiometric testing showed no more than Level IV hearing loss in the right ear and Level II hearing loss in the left ear throughout the appeal period.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has been rated as noncompensable, and the Board found that this rating is not adequate to reflect his symptoms. The evidence showed hearing acuity levels of Level II in both ears.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for a VA examination. The initial rating for right ear hearing loss remains denied, while hypertension and erectile dysfunction remain denied.

The Veteran's claim for bilateral hearing loss is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability meeting the criteria for service connection.,Service connection for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is denied due to lack of in-service disease or injury and insufficient continuity of symptomatology post-service. The VA examiner could not provide an opinion without resorting to speculation.,The Veteran's lumbar spine disorder is remanded as the November 2015 VA medical opinion is inadequate, failing to address diagnostic testing performed at VistA Imaging.

The Veteran's claim for initial service connection for bilateral hearing loss was granted with an effective date of January 6, 2009.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran experienced a continuity of symptoms related to these conditions since his separation from service. The claims were reopened due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus as there is no evidence showing that these conditions were caused by any incident of service, including in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder, alcohol use disorder, asthma with obstructive sleep apnea, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted TDIU based on the combined impact of these conditions.

The Veteran is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities, including laryngeal cancer and related conditions.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his claims.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the complexity of the issues. The Board will consider all evidence, including new testimony from hearings, in its review.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus but denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The decision found that the Veteran's tinnitus is related to in-service acoustic trauma, while his bilateral hearing loss does not meet the threshold for a disability as defined by VA regulations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in the physical loss or permanent loss of use of one or both hands or feet, and therefore, he does not qualify for financial assistance in purchasing an automobile or other conveyance or adaptive equipment.

The Board denied effective dates prior to April 18, 2021 for the grants of service connection for various disabilities due to a lack of evidence showing an intent to file a claim before that date.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was rated as noncompensable due to the mechanical application of the rating schedule based on his audiometric results, which showed Level II hearing in the right ear and Level I in the left ear.

The Board has denied service connection for various conditions including hair loss, groin pain, pseudofolliculitis barbae, low testosterone, psychiatric disorder, and hearing loss due to lack of current disabilities. The claims for right flat foot and left flat foot were dismissed as the Veteran did not appeal the denial.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss has been denied.,Service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II is denied. The Board acknowledges that the evidence does not show a current diagnosis of diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is now service-connected based on in-service noise exposure and current disability.,Service connection for diabetes was denied due to lack of evidence showing chronicity or a presumptive link to service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is found to be related to his active service, and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of bilateral hearing loss disability for VA compensation purposes, and therefore service connection is denied.