Hearing loss Board decisions

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss was denied. Prior to October 26, 2020, the rating remained at 10 percent. After that date, it was raised to 30 percent.

The Veteran's appeals for bilateral hearing loss, lumbar spine disorder, right and left ankle disorders, and right and left knee disorders are remanded due to the need for updated examinations and medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran, including a June 2020 audiological evaluation report and an article on auditory thresholds among military musicians. The Veteran must provide competent and credible evidence explaining why his hearing loss and tinnitus are due to in-service noise exposure rather than pre- or post-service noise exposure.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back disability, anxiety and depression, and PTSD due to new evidence received since the last final rating decisions. The claims are being reopened as there is now sufficient evidence to suggest a current disability may be related to service.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and denied a rating higher than 20 percent for left lumbar radiculopathy. The Veteran's claim for a rating higher than 20 percent for his left shoulder disability is remanded.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss is related to his in-service noise exposure, and he was granted service connection for this condition. However, the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating as his current level of hearing impairment is only III on both ears.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of bilateral hearing loss is denied as the earliest effective date available is June 24, 2015.

The Board has found that there was not substantial compliance with the December 2022 remand directives and has ordered further development of the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to inadequate or incomplete opinions in previous VA examinations and evaluations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome is granted with an effective date of February 19, 2006. The rating reduction for Hodgkin's lymphoma from 40 percent to noncompensable is upheld. An earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for other specified trauma and stressor related disorder is denied.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is related to his military service and has been granted.,The Veteran's respiratory condition, including shortness of breath, coughing, and chest pain (claimed as related to asbestos), is related to his military service and remains pending for further review.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been dismissed due to withdrawal of the issues by the Veteran. The remaining issues are remanded and will be addressed further.

The Veteran's appeals for PTSD and hearing loss have been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence and needs further examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has dismissed all service connection claims for various conditions due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that there is persuasive evidence linking his hearing issues to in-service noise trauma.

The Board granted service connection for erectile dysfunction and denied service connection for prostate disorder, sleep apnea, skin condition (dermatitis), diverticulosis, and hearing loss.,For the remaining issues, the appeal is REMANDED.

Service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus is granted, but service connection for right shoulder disability and left shoulder disability (secondary to right shoulder) are denied.,The Veteran's tinnitus had its onset in service, while his right shoulder disability was not related to service. The left shoulder disability is also not linked to service.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating of 50 percent for unspecified anxiety disorder is granted. The claim for service connection for a bilateral hearing loss disability is also granted.