Hearing loss Board decisions

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for increased ratings and service connection in multiple cases, including left knee disability, lumbar spine disability, right pectoralis major condition, avulsion fracture of the distal triquetrum, left hearing loss, TDIU rating, right hearing loss, vision/eye condition, right knee condition, and left shoulder condition. The Board has dismissed these appeals as a result.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for prostate cancer, bilateral hearing loss, an acquired psychiatric disorder, and tinnitus due to incomplete records from VA treatment centers. The AOJ is instructed to obtain all relevant records and readjudicate the cases.

The Board has identified additional evidence that was not considered in the previous decision and has requested a waiver for its consideration. The claims are being remanded to allow for readjudication of these issues.

The Board has granted service connection for hearing loss of the right ear. The TDIU claim is remanded as part of this decision.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss as there is no competent evidence of a current diagnosis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection related to asbestos exposure, hearing loss disabilities, and a right knee disability are remanded due to insufficient evidence. The cervical spine and wrist nerve disabilities remain under consideration.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of hearing loss and bilateral knee disability due to the appellant's withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board has remanded the remaining issues on appeal due to procedural errors in recognizing the Veteran's VA Forms 10182 and placing his appeal on the AMA Hearing Docket. The Veteran's appeal is now under the legacy system, and he must file a timely VA Form 9 or VA 10182 to continue his appeal.

The Board denied a compensable rating for the Veteran's right ear hearing loss, finding that his impairment did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating based on objective audiometric testing results.

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for bilateral hearing loss has been denied as his disability did not meet the criteria for increased evaluations during the appeal period.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss, which preexisted service, was aggravated by his military service. Therefore, the claim for service connection based on aggravation is granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hearing loss of both ears due to inconsistencies in audiometric findings and need for further clarification on the nature and etiology of his hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and compliance with prior directives due to incomplete consideration of specific entries in the claims file.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, lower back condition with left leg condition, and respiratory condition (including obstructive sleep apnea and allergic rhinitis) due to a lack of adequate medical examination or opinion. The AOJ is instructed to obtain any outstanding VA treatment records, schedule the Veteran for an appropriate VA examination, and adjudicate her claim for allergic rhinitis on a direct basis and under the PACT Act.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment as of September 11, 2018. Prior to this date, the evidence did not meet the criteria for a total disability rating due to individual unemployability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment, thus denying his claim for TDIU.

The Veteran's appeals for various conditions and disabilities have been dismissed due to their death.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 20 percent for bilateral hearing loss from August 2, 2022. The claim for an initial rating prior to that date remains on appeal.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected, and the claims for right ear hearing loss and left ear hearing loss are reopened. The remaining issues related to bilateral hearing loss, psychiatric disability, bilateral eye disability, and foot disabilities are remanded for further development.,Additional medical records should be obtained in order to fully assess the Veteran's current conditions and provide a comprehensive evaluation of his claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's August 2019 VA Form 10182 may be considered a valid and timely Notice of Disagreement for service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The appeal is being remanded to issue a Statement of the Case addressing these issues.