Hearing loss Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, lumbar spondylosis, and PTSD with alcohol use disorder are denied. The claim for an increased initial rating for lumbar spondylosis is granted at a 20 percent rating.

The Veteran's service connection for bilateral hearing loss and allergic rhinitis is granted, with a separate rating of 10% assigned for ethmoid and maxillary sinusitis since September 19, 2019.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are as likely as not of such nature and severity as to prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment since November 30, 2018.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding exposure to herbicide agents, and the need for further medical opinions on the etiology of his conditions.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence has been received to reopen the previously denied claims of service connection for cervical fusion C3-C7 and bilateral hearing loss. The claims are now remanded due to a duty-to-assist error.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate medical opinion regarding the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss. The matter is being returned for further evaluation and consideration.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability may be related to service, but more evidence is needed before a final decision can be made.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities prior to September 23, 2019 is denied as the evidence does not demonstrate he was unemployed or marginally employed due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient notice and clarification of reasons for denial, as well as legal adequacy issues. The Veteran's eligibility for PCAFC benefits will be reconsidered under appropriate criteria.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar strain, cervical strain, right hip status post arthroplasty, left hip status post arthroplasty, right foot arthritis, hammertoes, flat foot, tailor's bunion, metatarsalgia, and neurological disturbances, as well as bilateral hearing loss. The relationship to service is found in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is granted as service-connected, effective December 13, 2021.,Effective December 13, 2021, the Veteran is granted service connection for asthma, rhinitis, and sinusitis.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for traumatic brain injury and an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's pre-existing condition was aggravated during his period of active duty training (ACDUTRA).

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss, finding that his current condition is directly related to his military service and noise exposure.

The Board has granted a 30 percent disability rating for bilateral hearing loss from October 27, 2016 to November 16, 2021. The appeal is REMANDED for further action on the issues of entitlement to increased ratings and TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 70 percent for his acquired psychiatric disorder and a rating in excess of 30 percent for his bilateral hearing loss has been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show total occupational or social impairment, which is required for a higher rating.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disorder is granted as service connection. The Board finds that the evidence is in approximate balance, and resolves reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.,Service connection for fibromyalgia is denied due to lack of a current diagnosis.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD with anxiety and depression, bilateral hearing loss, degenerative disc and joint disease of the lumbar spine with muscle spasms, cervical spine, left knee arthritis, right knee arthritis, and left lower extremity varicose veins are all granted. The service connection is determined to be direct.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is related to his active duty service and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate VA opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss.