Hearing loss decisions — 2013

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and a lumbar spine disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and clarifying audiometric findings from his military service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus are likely related to his period of active service, and the Board has granted service connection for both conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities were of such severity that they precluded him from securing and following substantially gainful employment prior to June 29, 2012.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss disability has been manifested by hearing impairment during the entire appeal period no worse than level II in the right ear and level XI in the left ear, warranting a 10% rating. The Board finds that his disability picture for his bilateral hearing loss is contemplated by the rating schedule.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain an addendum opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's hearing loss, specifically addressing his contentions about in-service noise exposure. The case will be returned for further development and readjudication.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss did not occur during his active service and is not related to any noise exposure in service. As a result, the claim for service connection was denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are likely related to his military service, leading to a grant of service connection for both conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's reported history regarding his right foot/ankle and hearing loss is not credible, and there is no clear and unmistakable evidence showing aggravation of these pre-existing conditions during service. As such, the appeal for service connection for both disabilities is denied.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU was granted with an effective date of May 21, 2008. The Board has determined that the criteria for an earlier effective date of August 28, 2002 were met due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's conditions are at least as likely as not related to his in-service noise exposure.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including scheduling a VA audiological examination and obtaining private treatment records. The Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral hearing loss disability will be reconsidered after these steps.

The Board found that the Veteran's hearing loss did not manifest during service or within one year of separation, and is not related to his military noise exposure. As a result, service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied.

The Veteran's appeal to receive special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Travel Board hearing. The issues of entitlement to service connection for right knee disability, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus are still pending.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability due to lack of evidence meeting VA's definition of a disability. Service connection was not granted for left eye disorder or low back disorder as the claim is pending.

The Board found that the Veteran's current left ear hearing loss did not have its clinical onset in service and is not otherwise related to active duty. A sensorineural hearing loss was not exhibited within the first post-service year.

The Board has remanded the appeal due to a failure to obtain Army Reserve medical records from 1970-1973. The Veteran's claims for service connection will be reconsidered after these records are obtained.

The Board finds that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his military service, as there is no evidence of in-service noise exposure or a nexus between current symptoms and service.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is currently evaluated as 20 percent disabling. The Board finds that the disability rating criteria are adequate to describe his condition and no higher rating can be assigned.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic bronchitis have been reopened. However, his increased rating claims for degenerative disease of the lumbosacral spine and bilateral hearing loss disability remain denied.