Hearing loss decisions — 2014

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for bilateral hearing loss or tinnitus due to lack of evidence showing a nexus between current conditions and in-service noise exposure. Service connection was also denied for a lumbar spine disorder, as there is no evidence of a chronic disability during service or within one year post-service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for right ear hearing loss has been reopened and is currently under review. The claim for a compensable rating for left ear hearing loss remains denied.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's previously denied claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The evidence shows that the Veteran served in combat in Korea as a tank gunner and loader, and his current bilateral hearing loss is attributable to this in-service noise exposure.

The Board has remanded the case due to a VLJ retirement and requests for a new hearing. The Veteran's claims of service connection for a psychiatric disability, including as secondary to service-connected disability, and for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss are still pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining all pertinent medical records.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and granted the underlying claim, finding that new evidence supports a diagnosis of bilateral hearing loss related to noise exposure in service.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, as the current opinions are inadequate.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU for accrued benefits purposes.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss did not have its onset in service and is not otherwise related to a disease or injury during his military service. The VA examiner opined that the Veteran's hearing loss was less likely than not related to noise exposure incurred while performing his daily duties in service.

The Veteran's inpatient hospitalization at Orange Park Medical Center was not authorized by VA, and the services provided were rendered due to a medical emergency. However, the condition did not stabilize until after discharge from the facility.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations to assess the current severity of his service-connected PTSD and bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has determined that a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is not warranted prior to July 12, 2013. A 10 percent evaluation is assigned from July 12, 2013.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are being remanded due to the failure to appear at a scheduled VA examination. The Board will reschedule the Veteran for an audiological examination.

The Board has determined that additional examinations and development are necessary to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including for his service connection issues.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of hearing loss or tinnitus for VA purposes, and there is no evidence linking these conditions to service. The Veteran's hypertension was found to be caused by his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The appellant has withdrawn all issues related to the appeal, including those regarding service connection for PTSD and anxiety, evaluations of shoulder conditions, major depressive disorder, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss disability are both service-connected, with the tinnitus being granted based on in-service noise exposure and the hearing loss being granted as likely due to worsening during his second period of active duty service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's appeal seeking higher ratings for his service-connected disabilities, including tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss, is dismissed due to withdrawal of claims by the Veteran. The claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss remains denied.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran experienced combat-related noise exposure in service and has current diagnoses of these conditions. The Board also found that there is sufficient evidence to establish a nexus between the current disabilities and service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's pre-existing bilateral hearing loss was permanently aggravated by in-service acoustic trauma, and thus grants service connection for this condition.