Hearing loss decisions — 2014

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, left ankle disorder, and right ankle disorder are all related to service. The decision is granted for these claims.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for external otitis, bilateral hearing loss, tinea versicolor, and recurrent tinnitus. The claims were not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence, and the tinnitus claim was denied as there is no competent medical evidence linking it to service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before the claims can be adjudicated, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling an audiologist examination to determine if the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for updated VA examinations and issuance of a supplemental statement of the case (SOC).

The Board finds that the Veteran's tinnitus and right ear hearing loss are likely due to noise exposure during service, granting service connection for both conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for neck, shoulder, and hearing loss disorders have been granted. The effective date is set at October 23, 2007.

The Board has determined that the Veteran wishes to withdraw his appeals for reopening claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and glaucoma. The claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for right eye disability is denied as there is no evidence showing VA medical treatment resulted in additional right eye disability due to carelessness or negligence.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to have had its onset during service and the Board finds that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's tinnitus is related to service. Thus, resolving all reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor, the Board finds that service connection for tinnitus is granted.

The Veteran's cerebrovascular accident (stroke) is being remanded for further examination and consideration due to the need for additional evidence and a new opinion regarding its etiology.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for right ear hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for a new Board hearing.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is not service-connected as it did not manifest within one year of his separation from active duty.,However, the Veteran's tinnitus was present during his military service and is considered to be related to in-service noise exposure.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling the Veteran for VA examinations to assess his right foot disability and hearing loss. The appeal will be remanded for these actions.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current disability of type II diabetes mellitus or bilateral hearing loss due to service. The evidence is against a finding of in-service disease or injury resulting in these disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability, finding that the current condition is due to disease or injury incurred in active service, including exposure to hazardous noise levels during military duties.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability was not incurred or aggravated in service, and the Board finds that it is less likely than not related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss was denied as there is no evidence of a current disability as defined by VA regulations.

The Veteran's service-connected hearing loss disability is so severe that it requires regular aid and attendance of another person, which meets the criteria for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his active service, including in-service noise exposure. The Board has granted service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that service connection is granted for hearing loss, tinnitus, and corneal scarring of the right eye based on in-service disease or injury.