Hearing loss decisions — 2013

The Board denied service connection for left ear hearing loss and right ear hearing loss, as well as tinnitus. The Veteran did not have a current disability in these conditions at the time of the decision.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and a stomach disability (claimed as ulcers/digestive problems) due to the lack of evidence showing current disabilities or in-service injury/aggravation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, asthma and bronchitis, and a left foot and ankle disability were denied. However, the Board found in favor of the Veteran on his claim for a left foot and ankle disability as it is likely related to service. The other claims remain denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, a bilateral eye disorder, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining a VA examination to assess the combined impact of his service-connected disabilities on his employability and considering whether referral for an extraschedular TDIU is warranted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and an increased rating for a left foot scar, finding no evidence of a relationship between his current disabilities and his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, stomach condition, and a compensable rating for her bilateral plantar fasciitis were all denied. The Veteran did not have a current disability that met the criteria for these conditions.

The Board found no evidence of a current disability related to service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The Veteran's assertions about noise exposure in service were not supported by medical evidence, and there is no continuity of symptoms since separation from service.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss was granted a 20 percent evaluation effective September 10, 2012. The claim for residuals of an excision of a follicular cyst of the posterior left thigh was denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need to obtain employment records from the Veteran's post-service job as a crane operator, inspector, and instructor at an air station. These records may support continuity of symptomatology since service.

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

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain an updated etiology opinion regarding the Veteran's claimed bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, as the current examination report used the incorrect legal standard.

The Board finds that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are as likely as not due to noise exposure during his period of active service, resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and a compensable rating for his inguinal hernia were denied. The Board found that the current 10 percent rating for ilio-inguinal nerve entrapment is appropriate, as well as the noncompensable rating for status post left inguinal hernia repair.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current bilateral hearing loss disability for VA purposes and denied service connection for this condition. The Board also noted that there is no competent credible evidence of a nexus between any current disabilities and active service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are service-connected as they are related to his active duty experience. The back disorder, arthritis of multiple joints, hypertension, and OSA do not have a direct link to his military service.,Service connection is granted for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is related to his military service, specifically his exposure to loud noise from artillery during his time in Vietnam. As a result, the claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are causally related to noise exposure during service, warranting service connection for both conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, specifically addressing conversion of military audiograms from ASA to ISO units.

The Veteran's TDIU claim for the period from February 17, 2008 to January 19, 2013 was denied as his service-connected disabilities did not render him unemployable during this time.