Hearing loss Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal includes multiple issues related to service connection for various disorders, including left knee disorder, cervical spine disorder, left hip disorder, left ankle disorder, headache disorder, hearing loss, tinnitus, and upper extremity radiculopathy. The Board has determined that these claims are remanded due to the need for additional evidence.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence has been received for the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including right ear hearing loss, CTS, ankle disorders, elbow disorders, hip disorders, knee disorders, and neck disorders. These claims are being remanded to allow for further examination and opinion.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus but denied service connection for right ear hearing loss. Tinnitus was found to be related to service, while no current disability of right ear hearing loss was established.

The Board has remanded the claims of entitlement to service connection for sleep apnea, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus with vertigo due to a duty-to-assist error. The AOJ is required to obtain addendum opinions addressing theories of secondary service connection and obesity as intermediate steps.

The Veteran's motion to revise the July 2003 Rating Decision is granted and he is entitled to service connection for hearing loss.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, meeting the criteria for an award of SMC at the housebound rate.

The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for bilateral hearing loss is denied.,The Veteran's request for an earlier effective date prior to January 22, 2021 for a 10 percent evaluation for bilateral hearing loss is also denied.

The Veteran withdrew their appeals for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss from appellate status.

The Veteran's hearing loss does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating, as his audiometric results do not show impairment that warrants such a rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to inadequate medical opinions in the February 2020 VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy (sciatic nerve), and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy were granted effective September 6, 2019. The claim for PTSD was also granted with an effective date of September 6, 2019.

The Board has found pre-decisional duty to assist errors in the adjudication of the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The claims are being remanded for further development, including obtaining an addendum VA medical opinion.

The Board has decided to remand the cases of service connection for tinnitus and hearing loss due to a failure to properly notify the Veteran of VA examinations. The AOJ did not schedule or provide notification for these exams, which are necessary to determine if the conditions were incurred in active duty.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was rated at 40 percent effective June 3, 2022. The rating for right and left lower extremity peripheral venous insufficiency was increased to 40 percent from April 6, 2017.,Prior to September 27, 2005, the Veteran's hearing loss was rated at 0 percent, with a 10 percent rating granted from March 8, 2005, and a 40 percent rating effective October 5, 2006. The right and left lower extremity peripheral venous insufficiency was initially rated at 10 percent from September 27, 2005, and increased to 40 percent on June 3, 2022.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a pulmonary disorder, to include asthma, is granted under the PACT Act. Service connection for hypertension is denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability meeting the criteria under VA regulations.,Service connection for PTSD is denied because the Veteran does not meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD in accordance with DSM-5.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was granted with an effective date of July 25, 2018. The Board found that the claim was continuously pursued and thus the earliest allowable date under the law is July 25, 2018.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are at least as likely as not related to his military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty to assist error, and will consider evidence not previously considered.