Hearing loss Board decisions

The Veteran's 60 percent rating for bilateral hearing loss was restored to its original level of 60 percent, effective July 1, 2020. The reduction from 60 percent to 30 percent was found improper due to a failure to meet the requirements for actual improvement in the disability.

The Veteran's service connection claims for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss have been granted. However, the Veteran's claim for a compensable initial rating for his right inguinal hernia has been denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as there is no current diagnosis of a hearing disability that meets VA criteria.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, leading to the grant of total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The appeal for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is dismissed. DIC benefits pursuant to 38 U.S.C. § 1318 are denied.

The Veteran withdrew their appeals for bilateral hearing loss and syphilis before the Board could make a decision.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that there was no evidence showing a current disability existed during or as a result of his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to incomplete STRs and the need for additional development.

An earlier effective date for service connection of tinnitus is denied.,The claim of reopening the bilateral hearing loss was granted, but a new VA examination is needed to determine if left ear hearing loss is related to service.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is remanded due to incomplete employment and income information. The RO must verify the Veteran's work history, obtain completed VA Forms 21-4192 from his employers, and determine if he qualifies for TDIU on a schedular or extraschedular basis.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with psychotic features was granted service connection.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus is denied.

The Board denied service connection for sinusitis and bilateral hearing loss (BHL) due to a lack of current disability evidence.,Service connection was not granted as the Veteran's medical records did not show any current diagnosis of sinusitis or BHL.

The Veteran's tinnitus, type II diabetes mellitus secondary to his right knee disability, sleep apnea, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, diabetic retinopathy, and erectile dysfunction are all granted. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Board has denied service connection for a right ankle condition, left ankle condition, low back or lumbar spine condition, and residuals of an upper left facial fracture with headaches and vertigo. Service connection was granted for bilateral ear condition (to include hearing loss).,Service connection was not established for any of the conditions listed due to lack of evidence linking them to service.

The Board has remanded the claims for entitlement to service connection for SOB, headaches disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and left ankle and left knee disorders due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Veteran's claims for tinnitus, bronchitis residuals, hearing loss, low back disability, and right ankle disability have been granted. The VA has ordered additional development for the hearing loss claim due to potential burn pit exposure, and the low back and right ankle disabilities require further examination.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, left shoulder disability, right shoulder disability, left knee disability, and right knee disability due to inadequate examination opinions. Additional evidence is needed, including VA Employee Health records and private treatment records from Arkansas Pain Center.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD, pneumonia, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus due to his withdrawal of these claims during a Board hearing. The claim for TDIU is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's appeals regarding service connection for bilateral hearing loss, right knee disability, and thoracic outlet syndrome should be remanded due to an error in the review system.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for tinnitus and an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for updated VA records, a nexus opinion regarding the etiology of his tinnitus, and further development related to SSA disability benefits.