Hearing loss Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for PTSD and an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss began during service and is related to in-service noise exposure, granting service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's hearing loss, eye disorders, head trauma, and psychiatric conditions. The claims for a compensable rating for right ear hearing loss, service connection for left ear hearing loss, low back disability, hernia and groin disorder, and acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD are all being reviewed due to new evidence or changes in the Veteran's condition.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current condition is at least as likely as not related to in-service acoustic trauma. However, right ear hearing loss and tinnitus have been denied due to a lack of evidence showing a current disability.,There is no persuasive evidence demonstrating a current diagnosis or manifestation of right ear hearing loss or tinnitus within the context of VA regulations.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss, but remanded the issues of service connection for these conditions due to insufficient evidence in the November 2018 VA audiological examination.

The Board has determined that additional examinations and medical opinions are needed to properly assess the Veteran's service-connected conditions, including PTSD, back strain, bilateral hearing loss, right knee disability, left foot pain, and sleep apnea. The issues of increased ratings for these conditions have been remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions and the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and addressing theories of delayed-onset hearing loss.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete medical opinions and the need for additional evidence, including treatment records.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated as noncompensable.,Initial compensable ratings are granted for left and right ankle disabilities, effective prior to January 9, 2023.,A 10 percent evaluation is granted for metatarsalgia and status-post right foot navicular fracture.,Initial 30 percent evaluations are granted for left and right knee disabilities (limitation of flexion).,GERD with hiatal hernia and chronic diarrhea warrant a 30 percent evaluation.,Service connection for TBI is denied.

The Board denied service connection for right ear hearing loss as there is no valid diagnosis of a disability in the Veteran's medical records, and his audiometric testing did not meet VA's definition of a hearing loss disability.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus as there was no persuasive evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's active duty.

The Board has remanded the case to clarify whether the Veteran's symptoms of loss of balance, dizziness, falling, and vertigo are indicative of a vestibular disorder related to his service-connected bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran should be scheduled for an examination to determine if these symptoms represent a vestibular disorder.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient consideration of the Veteran's lay statements regarding his hearing loss symptoms.

The Veteran's migraines are rated at 50% effective October 18, 2021. Bilateral hearing loss and TBI have been granted service connection with an effective date of October 19, 2017.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss as there is no current diagnosis of this condition.

The Board has remanded the cases of left hand carpal tunnel syndrome and right shoulder disability for further examination and opinion to determine if these conditions are related to service, specifically whether they are secondary to a service-connected condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities, finding that his combined rating of 40% did not meet the schedular criteria for TDIU. The evidence showed he was unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.

Service connection is granted for bilateral hearing loss, diabetes mellitus type II, and a stomach condition to include ulcers. Service connection is remanded for an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD, left shoulder condition, and right shoulder condition.,The Veteran's service records show he was exposed to gunfire and artillery rounds during his active-duty service, which supports the grant of service connection for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral mixed hearing loss as secondary to service-connected chronic allergic rhinitis. The issue of service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II is remanded due to inadequate medical opinions and the need for a VA examination. The TDIU claim remains inextricably intertwined with the diabetes mellitus, type II issue.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for right ear hearing loss, finding that his condition is related to his military service.