Hearing loss decisions — 2012

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred in service, as there was no evidence of a chronic condition during service or within one year after service. The VA examiner concluded that it was less likely than not that his current hearing loss and tinnitus were incurred during military service.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied as his hearing impairment did not meet the schedular criteria.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his active duty service, as there is no evidence of a current disability within one year post-service or any nexus between in-service noise exposure and these conditions. The Veteran's claims for service connection are therefore denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic ear infections, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus are being remanded due to the need for additional development of his in-service treatment records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is related to his in-service noise exposure and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional development and clarification of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss claim, including an opinion regarding its etiology.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and right ear hearing loss are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional VA examinations and records, as well as for further development of the claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss is related to his military service, and he is granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss meets the regulatory criteria for a disability for VA compensation purposes and was not incurred in or aggravated by active duty. Tinnitus, however, did not have its onset during active military service.

The Board has determined that the reduction of the Veteran's disability rating for bilateral hearing loss from 40 percent to 10 percent, effective October 1, 2010, was proper.

The Board has dismissed the appeal for service connection for MRSA due to lack of allegation of specific error. The Veteran's claims for right shoulder, right ankle, and lung disabilities are denied as there is no current diagnosis or symptoms.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to determine the nature, onset date, and severity of any current hearing loss and tinnitus disorders. The Veteran's claims for service connection will be remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Board has ordered additional development to obtain the appellant's service treatment records, including any potential reserve service. The claims for sinus disability, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus will be reconsidered based on all evidence of record.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and a low back disorder can be adjudicated.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, chemical burns of the hands, and a respiratory disability are all denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities or that any were incurred in service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claims of entitlement to service connection for left shoulder disability, right elbow disability, left wrist disability, and bilateral hearing loss disability.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as whether these conditions are related to service. The case will be remanded for further action.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for alcoholism, high cholesterol, right shoulder disability, bilateral pes planus, low back disability, and hemorrhoids have been denied as a matter of law due to the prohibition on direct service connection for these conditions based on their relationship to substance abuse. The claim for initial compensable evaluation for service-connected hemorrhoids is also denied.