Hearing loss Board decisions

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to errors in the VA examination provided.

The Veteran's appeal for a compensable evaluation for service-connected bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to incomplete records, specifically private treatment records from the VA Community Care program.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeals.

The Veteran's TDIU benefits are effective from June 30, 2020. The criteria for basic eligibility for Chapter 35 benefits are established from that date.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the eligibility criteria for specially adapted housing or special home adaptation grants due to a lack of permanent and total disability rating.

The Board has found that the evidence is at least in equipoise regarding whether the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is related to service. The claims for sinusitis, ear condition (including vertigo and Meniere's disease), and acquired psychiatric disorder are remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including respiratory condition, bilateral hearing loss, and eye conditions, rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment from November 14, 2014 to April 25, 2021. From April 26, 2021, the Veteran's combined rating is at least 60 percent due to his respiratory condition and other service-connected disabilities, which makes TDIU moot.

The Veteran's appeal for a compensable disability rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss is dismissed because the Veteran withdrew his appeal prior to the Board making a decision.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss has been denied. The VA determined that the evidence did not support a higher rating than what was already assigned (a noncompensable rating prior to April 19, 2023 and a 10 percent thereafter).

The Veteran's TDIU is denied as he did not meet the schedular requirements for a TDIU prior to January 1, 2021. The effective date of the award of SMC based on statutory housebound criteria is granted.,The Veteran does not have any service-connected conditions that qualify under the PACT Act, Agent Orange, Camp Lejeune, or radiation exposure.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, right ankle disability, and right shoulder disability due to lack of evidence showing a direct link between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed and the claims are being remanded to the AOJ for further review of the evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied.,Service connection for a rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine prior to July 1, 2019 is denied. Effective August 9, 2023, separate compensable ratings are granted for radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities.,The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 40 percent for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine after July 1, 2019 is denied.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, a bilateral knee condition, a bilateral shoulder condition, and a sleep disorder. The remaining issues of service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, respiratory issues, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis are being remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a need for clarification and additional medical opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral tinnitus has been granted.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and residuals of inactive pulmonary tuberculosis exposure are remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss disabilities and tinnitus due to inadequate VA examinations. The claims must be returned for new examinations and opinions.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear hearing loss, but denied service connection for right ear hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, a back disability, and various extremity disabilities are not granted. The cases have been remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding whether these conditions were aggravated by his obesity.

The Board has denied service connection for hypoglycemia as it is a laboratory finding and not a disability subject to service connection. The remaining issues are remanded due to the need for further development regarding the Veteran's claimed disabilities.