Hearing loss decisions — 2011

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional medical examination and opinion regarding the etiology of the appellant's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as to consider all evidence of record.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus did not originate in service or for many years thereafter, and are not related to any incident during active service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of service connection for tinnitus and has also reopened his claim of service connection for right ear hearing loss. The decision is based on direct evidence, as there was no prior denial of these claims.

The Veteran's hearing loss, knee and hip disabilities were not shown to be incurred or aggravated by his military service. The Board found that the pre-existing conditions did not increase in severity during service.

The Board has determined that the issue on appeal includes entitlement to an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss. The evidence of record is not limited to only that at the time of the April 2008 rating reduction and requires clarification from the private audiologist regarding the use of the Maryland CNC discrimination test in the August 2010 private audiological test report.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and reopening of a previously denied claim were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating his service connection claim, as it did not establish a current left knee disorder.

The Board has remanded the case due to scheduling issues, including a need for a videoconference hearing.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining a clarifying medical opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss did not manifest in service or within one year of separation, and there was no medical evidence indicating a connection between his active duty service and his current condition. The VA examiner opined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is less likely caused by military noise exposure.

The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings for bilateral hearing loss have been withdrawn.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disability, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The evidence does not establish that these conditions were incurred or aggravated during service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has been rated as noncompensable since October 14, 2005. The RO found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating based on his audiometric test results.,For the period prior to March 7, 2005, the Veteran's right foot Morton's neuroma post-excision was rated as noncompensable. Since March 7, 2005, it has been rated as 10 percent disabling.

The appellant withdrew his appeal regarding the issue of entitlement to an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete STRs and lack of a supplemental opinion from an ENT specialist.

The Board finds that the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of bilateral hearing loss is without legal merit and denies the claim.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to his military service. The issue of entitlement to service connection for residuals of anemia, toenail fungus, Achilles tendon injuries, and upper back injury is dismissed without prejudice as the Veteran withdrew these claims.

The Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is considered to be causally related to his military service, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions.,The Veteran is seeking service connection for bilateral hearing loss secondary to his otitis media. The Board finds that a VA examination is necessary to determine if he has current bilateral hearing loss and whether it is related to his in-service otitis media.,The Veteran is seeking service connection for dysphagia, which the Board finds may be related to his otitis media or his service-connected deviated septum. A VA examination is needed to assess the nature of his current dysphagia and its relationship to his service.,The Veteran is seeking service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and PTSD, secondary to his otitis media, bilateral hearing loss, or service-connected deviated septum. The Board finds that a VA examination is necessary to determine the nature of his current psychiatric condition and whether it is related to his in-service issues.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude gainful employment consistent with his education and occupational experience.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus and hearing loss are related to his military service, granting service connection for these conditions.