Hearing loss decisions — 2013

The Veteran's hearing loss did not manifest during service and is not attributable to in-service noise exposure. The Board finds that the current disability is not related to military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his military service, as there was no evidence of a hearing disability for VA purposes on separation from service or within one year after discharge. The examiner concluded that the Veteran's tinnitus is more likely associated with his hearing loss than acoustic trauma during military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service personnel records and a VA examination to address the Veteran's claims for hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Veteran's combined rating for service-connected disabilities is less than the 60% required for a TDIU, and his service-connected PTSD and hearing loss do not render him unemployable.

The Veteran's appeal is for a higher initial rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss. The RO has already granted service connection and assigned a noncompensable rating effective from February 12, 2010. However, the Veteran requested an updated VA examination due to worsening of his hearing loss since the last examination.

The Board found that the evidence submitted since the May 2007 RO decision does not constitute new and material evidence, thus denying the Veteran's petition to reopen his previously denied claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current condition is causally related to in-service noise exposure. The claim for service connection of low back disability remains pending as there are insufficient records available to determine its onset or etiology.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, allergic sinusitis/rhinitis, ulcers, and hepatitis C, are not shown to have been incurred or aggravated during service. The initial presumption of soundness upon entry into service is rebutted as there is no clear and unmistakable evidence (CUE) that these conditions existed prior to service.

The Veteran's claims for a pulmonary disorder and increased rating for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss are being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records, provide appropriate VA examinations, and ensure all relevant development has been completed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current right ear hearing loss disability or non-hearing loss right ear disabilities (otositis media and chronic Eustachian tube blockage) that began in service or are causally related to service. As such, the claims for service connection are denied.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted a higher initial rating of 70 percent effective November 5, 2009. The other issues were either denied or not addressed in the decision.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is found to be due to in-service noise exposure and service connection is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is related to active duty service and grants this claim. The issue of entitlement to service connection for bilateral glaucoma requires additional development as it involves a medical opinion regarding potential eye trauma during basic training.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and granted it, finding that new evidence supports a link between his in-service acoustic trauma and current hearing loss.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

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

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current disabilities are at least as likely as not related to his military service. The TDIU claim is denied as the evidence does not show he is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee disorder is related to his in-service symptoms and granted service connection for this condition. The issue of bilateral hearing loss was also addressed, but as it pertains to a separate claim, it remains pending.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is not related to his military service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board finds that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss. Resolving doubt in favor of the Veteran, the Board concludes that his current bilateral hearing loss is etiologically related to his active military service.