Hearing loss Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for erectile dysfunction, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and hypertension were denied as there is no persuasive evidence linking these conditions to his military service.,For left ear hearing loss, the claim was not addressed due to lack of a diagnosis during or prior to the appeal period.

The Veteran's appeal for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied. The Board has remanded several issues including service connection for various disabilities due to missing STRs and incomplete VA treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for hearing loss is remanded due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error. An examination must be scheduled to determine the current severity of his service-connected hearing loss.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is granted. The claims for left knee condition and bilateral hearing loss are remanded due to procedural errors.

The Board has determined that the initial rating decision for the Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is inadequate due to an error in obtaining/maintaining a seal during the January 2019 VA examination, which may have affected the accuracy of the results. The case is being remanded to correct this issue.

The Board has remanded the case for a new examination to determine if the Veteran's right ear hearing loss is related to service, and whether it should be granted as direct service connection or reopened due to new evidence.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has been rated as noncompensable (0 percent) disabling since November 13, 2021. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating due to the functional impact of his hearing loss being contemplated by the assigned rating.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is rated at 0 percent, and the claim for an increased rating is denied.,The Veteran's service-connected dry eye syndrome is now rated at 20 percent.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to inadequate VA audiological opinions, which are required to determine if there is a nexus between his current disabilities and service.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, OSA, and right shoulder disorder due to issues with notification of VA examinations and lack of current diagnoses or etiology.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's claimed disabilities, particularly in relation to service connection.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that her current diagnosis of bilateral sensorineural hearing loss is etiologically related to in-service noise exposure and a continuity of symptoms since service.

The Veteran's initial rating for scar, residual TMJ scope was granted at 10 percent. Service connection for a back disability and bilateral hearing loss disability were denied, while service connection for a skin disability and a rating in excess of 20 percent for TMJ syndrome are remanded.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated at 50 percent, which is the maximum rating under VA regulations. The Veteran's tinnitus is currently rated at 10 percent. The Veteran's insomnia disorder is currently rated at 30 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to obtain or maintain gainful employment, and the Board granted a TDIU from May 6, 2021.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as he does not have a disability level of hearing loss that qualifies for VA compensation purposes.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for upper back problem and right knee pains are remanded due to inadequate examination findings. The claims for left knee pain are also remanded.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for left knee pain is remanded as well.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete VA treatment records and outstanding SSA records. The Veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss prior to December 12, 2023 is pending.

The Veteran's hypertension is not shown to meet the criteria for a compensable rating.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are denied as there is no evidence of current disability or in-service incurrence.,Service connection for right ankle and left ankle disabilities is denied due to lack of continuity of symptomatology since service.,The Veteran's right and left ankles were not shown to have been injured during service, nor did they develop to a compensable degree within one year post-discharge.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied, and his claims for service connection for high blood pressure and heart murmur are both denied. The issue of service connection for vertigo was dismissed due to withdrawal.