Hearing loss decisions — 2013

The Board has remanded the claims of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to inadequate medical examination. A new VA audiologic examination is needed, including a discussion on the relationship between current hearing loss and tinnitus and the Veteran's military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's pre-existing bilateral hearing loss was aggravated by service, and therefore grants service connection for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining relevant VA outpatient records and scheduling a new VA audiology evaluation. The Veteran's claim of entitlement to an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss is pending.

The Veteran's appeals have been dismissed as he has withdrawn his appeal with respect to all issues on appeal.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU is being remanded due to the failure to comply with previous Board directives. The case must be referred to the Director of Compensation and Pension Service for extraschedular consideration under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(b).

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his active military service, with no aggravation found. The claims for service connection have been granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for further development, including obtaining a VA examination and addressing his claim of entitlement to TDIU. The case will be readjudicated after this additional development.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is being remanded due to the need for additional medical and development of VA treatment records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is at least as likely as not related to his active duty service and/or secondary to his service-connected hearing loss.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current tinnitus began in active service. The hearing loss issue is remanded due to incomplete records.

The Veteran was granted service connection for asbestosis, but the issues of bilateral hearing loss, residuals of a neck fracture, and arthritis are addressed in the REMAND below.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the nature and etiology of his bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and sleep apnea.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA audiological examination and consideration of his TDIU claim.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine if his current hearing loss and tinnitus are related to service, specifically noise exposure during active duty. The Veteran also reported in-service acoustic trauma that may have caused or aggravated his conditions.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death. The Board cannot proceed with the merits of these claims as he is no longer alive.

The Board has determined that the Veteran developed bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus during service, with worsening since separation. The claims are granted.

The Board has granted service connection for the residuals of a puncture wound to the left thigh, finding that the Veteran's current residual disability is likely due to his in-service injury. The claim for bilateral hearing loss remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain updated VA audiological examination and additional medical records. The issues of service connection for bilateral tinnitus and initial compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss are pending.

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

The Board has remanded the case to obtain S. & Associates records and any new medical evidence, in order to determine if they contain new and material evidence that could re-open the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.