Hearing loss decisions — 2011

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling an examination to determine his employability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are found to be related to service-connected conditions. The lung disorder is not shown to be directly related to service or service-connected conditions, but may be due to obesity and sleep apnea.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for chronic low back pain with arthritis was denied as the current rating of 40 percent is considered appropriate based on the criteria set forth in the Rating Schedule.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any hearing loss and tinnitus disabilities, as well as whether service connection should be granted for these conditions. The Veteran's claims are being remanded for this purpose.

The Veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to inadequate VCAA notice and the need to obtain additional medical records.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The evidence now establishes a link between the Veteran's current conditions and his military service, including noise exposure during active duty.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection for a sleep disorder, sinusitis, and left ankle sprain as these issues have been withdrawn by the Veteran. The remaining claims of entitlement to initial disability evaluations for bilateral hearing loss, residuals of bunionectomy of the left foot, residuals of bunionectomy of the right foot, and impingement syndrome of the left shoulder (dominant) wrist are denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is likely related to his noise exposure during service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The VA examiner found no evidence of hearing loss during service and concluded that the current hearing loss is not related to service. However, the Board notes that the lack of in-service complaints or treatment does not necessarily disqualify a claim. A new VA examination is needed to determine if any increase in hearing acuity documented in service could be causally related to service.

The Veteran's claimed bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not shown to have been incurred or aggravated by his active duty service, nor are they otherwise related to such service.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations are inadequate and additional action is required to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus.

The Board found no evidence of service connection for bilateral hearing loss or tinnitus, as the Veteran's service records did not show any complaints or findings of these conditions during or immediately after service. The VA examiner concluded that there was insufficient medical basis to link current hearing loss and tinnitus to military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is not related to service, as his hearing was within normal limits at separation and there were no significant threshold shifts in service. The evidence does not establish a continuity of symptomatology since service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are service-connected, with no rating assigned. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) is reopened but not granted on the merits.

The Board has ordered the RO to verify the Veteran's period of active duty service from January 2010 to June 2010 and obtain any relevant treatment records. The case will be returned for further review after these actions are completed.

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

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is likely related to his noise exposure during service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is related to his military service, as evidenced by exposure to loud noises during active duty. As a result, the claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's hearing loss was not incurred in or aggravated by active service, may not be presumed to have been incurred during active service, and is not otherwise etiologically related to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development of records from VA facilities where the Veteran received treatment.